Propagating Anacampseros (Portulacaceae) from Cuttings

Arden asked if Anacampseros variegata could be propagated from cuttings or only seeds. Answer Yes, cuttings work. Take a cutting; let callous. Place on slightly moist soil; mist every few days. Do not water until defini

Watering Cacti: When Dry, Not on a Schedule

Ermas many cacti looked unhealthy; shed been told they werent wet enough. Core Principle Water when soil is dry from previous watering during spring/summer growth. Frequency depends on soil, sun, pot size, humidity—no fi

Cereus peruvianus Cutting Care: Rooting, Sun, and Fertilizer

Scotts 2-foot Cereus peruvianus cutting showed scale, no new growth after winter indoors, now outside in full sun at 85°F+. Protocol Water with Superthrive (half strength) for first few waterings. No fertilizer until vi

Aloe Leaf Tips Browning in Dallas: Watering & Fertilizer Adjustment

Jennifers outdoor Dallas aloe had pale/brown leaf tips but firm leaves and new pups. She watered weekly in summer and fertilized regularly. Diagnosis Weekly watering is excessive even in summer unless in full, blazing s

Limiting Growth of a Tall Euphorbia Indoors

Mikes 86 Euphorbia ammak (likely) neared his 106 vaulted ceiling. He asked about limiting height, outdoor survival in Central Texas, and topping. Options Dont repot—larger pot = more growth. Top it: Cut top 2–3 ft, let

Saving 'Jelly Bean' and Hens & Chicks from Georgia Rains

Jans unidentified jelly bean plant and hens & chicks were drowning in heavy rain. Immediate Action Move pots under cover (porch, garage, eaves). If in ground, dig up and pot in fast-draining mix. Do not water until soil

Cutting and Rerooting a 7-Foot Columnar Cactus/Euphorbia

Alans 7-foot single-stem plant bent at the top with three new growths forming. He asked if he could cut and replant the top. Critical Warning It may be a Euphorbia (milky, burning sap), not a cactus. Test: cut a small pi

Pruning & Propagating a Leggy Christmas Cactus

Franks 2-year-old Christmas cactus had one 20-inch shoot with a 4-joint tip. He wanted a fuller, bushier plant. Pruning for Bushiness Cut at a joint; new shoots may emerge from the cut or base. Root the cuttings: let ca

Tiny Bugs in Cactus Roots & Mealybugs on Sempervivum/Sedum

Elaine found tiny black crawling bugs in cactus root soil (like dust), cottony masses on spines, and white deposits on Sempervivum and Sedum leaves. Two Separate Issues 1. Cactus/Succulent Root Pests Likely root mealybu

Forcing Prickly Pear to Flower: Patience Required

Toms seed-grown prickly pear, several years old, never flowered. He asked how to force blooms. Answer Cannot be forced. Prickly pears flower only at maturity, which can take many years from seed. Exact timing depends on

Finding a Home for a 40-Year-Old, 5-Foot Jade Plant

Sean needed to rehome a massive, heirloom jade plant from his grandparents Washington State home. Suggestions Post on GardenWeb Cactus & Succulent Forum with photos. Contact local cactus & succulent societies or garden

Growing Cacti in an Office With Only Artificial Light

Steve wanted small cacti for a windowless office with only artificial light. Reality Check Cacti will survive but not thrive without real sunlight. They need intense light for compact growth and flowering. Better Alterna

Removing Cactus on Texas Land: Burning Spines for Cattle Feed

Paul considered buying Texas land with heavy cactus cover. Hed heard of burning spines with a propane torch so cattle can eat the pads. Feasibility This is practiced (especially for spineless Opuntia cultivars or after b

Tall Apartment Cactus Losing Stems: Corking or Fungus?

Phillips tall, multi-stemmed cactus developed brown dry patches at the base, lost 3 of 6 stems, and one fell over with minimal roots. Assessment Brown patches: Could be corking (natural aging, harmless) or fungal infect

Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks) Cold Tolerance and Transplant Timing

Jan asked the coldest temperature Sempervivum tolerates and when to transplant. Answers Cold tolerance: Most survive -20°F to -30°F (-29°C to -34°C) if acclimated. First-year plants may need protection. Best transplant

Aloe Vera Fading Behind Plate Glass: Sunburn Through Glass

Seans aloe, behind a plate-glass window in a hot spot, faded and browned despite plenty of water. Cause Glass intensifies UV rays, causing sunburn even on sun-loving aloes. In nature, no glass filters/amplifies light. Fi

Weed Control in Prickly Pear Patches Without Killing Cacti

Ruth in Texas Hill Country wanted to eliminate grass/weeds in a prickly pear patch without harming the cacti. Limited Options Hand weeding is safest. Spot-treat with diluted glyphosate (Roundup) on actively growing weed

Propagating Prickly Pear: Cut, Callous, Plant

David wanted to take cuttings from his prickly pear and asked about callousing time and watering. Simple Protocol Cut a pad at the joint. Let the cut end callous 1–2 weeks in shade. Plant in moist (not wet) cactus mix.

Broken House Cactus: Both Pieces Can Be Saved

Marias 2-year-old, 9-inch, 6-sided cactus snapped off at the base during a move. Roots and base remained in the pot. Good News Both parts can survive. Base in pot: If not rotted, it will branch at the break. Top piece:

Pruning Overgrown Aeoniums: They Will Regrow

Normans two 3-foot bushy aeoniums were unwieldy in winter. He asked if cutting to 1 foot would kill them. Answer Yes, they will resprout from the cut points—either as new heads or side branches. Cut where desired; the re