I'm not convinced it's matanzanus. The ceph should be more red/fuzzy & the fruit looks too dark. Let it get a bit bigger & try to ID then. The care is similar for most melos: warm in winter, well-drained mix, don't let them dry out & mist to duplicate the oceanside fog some varieties nee...

They all went into the greenhouse yesterday. Mild frost last night but supposed to be nice for the next week. That's normal for our area - frost and then temps in the 70s. Heat at night and the exhaust fan the following day. Makes for tricky watering decisions.

We're the genetic opposites; I almost never measure anything except by eye. And I tend to overwater, so it's good I like jungle cactus. With two greenhouses I can indulge my misting obsession with a one gallon wand sprayer. I love copiapoas because in their habitat they are misted by morning fog. I ...

A few of mine are winding down in style.

Steve - you always make me laugh. That has to be the most fussed-over melo in California! I can't imagine your hand after 100 squirts of a mister; I'd have arthritis for sure. When is it going to occur to you to measure what 100 or 30 squirts is? Maybe a quarter of a cup or 1 tablespoon etc.? Since ...

Don't mean to hijack this thread but those interested in hildwinteri hybrids might try http://mattslandscape.com/chamaecereus/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I was pleased with my purchases from them. Sue

Thanks K.W. They will winter with the epis & the others who like it a bit warm with water. Three of the four I have are still covered in buds.

Quick question K.W. At what temperature do you keep your hildewinteri during the winter? Not something I ever grew, until I fell in love with yours. I have 2 GHs & will be setting them at different temps. Thanks, Sue

Espostoa lanata. Spines can vary with amount of sun.

A bigger home will be for his next caretaker to worry about. They only grow a quarter to a half inch per year & I'm 67. I'm always teasing the young guys in our cactus club to have children who will come get him when I turn to compost. Sue

I just love this guy so much, I like to share his pix. A rescued ( from a florist ) saguaro named Al who is 5 ft 3" tall.

By indoors I assume you mean your home, not a greenhouse?

I don't much care how it happened but I would, for sure, buy one. Do you remember where you got it? How cool, next to the white flowered version. Sue

A bit of an update & more questions. All of the rescues are doing well & we went back with a trailer & brought home a few more tall ones & 2 large barrel cactus. Got the 2nd GH up & running so everyone will have a winter home. Now a question: some of the tall ones ( especially th...

Could be a Harrisia. Friends in Florida have one growing in a tree that is not that pink. Mostly white with pink outer petals. The flowers open in the middle of the night but last all day, so George may think it's a day bloomer. I thought about bringing cuttings back but just too big & rangy for...