DECEMBER 2006

The month starts wet and misty, but still very mild with night temperatures scarcely dropping below 40 degrees F (5 degrees C.) in the open. There is little to do in the greenhouses apart from keeping an eye on the heating systems as occasional failures do sometimes occur and need to be spotted promptly. Plants in the hotbox continue to be watered regularly in reduced quantity as soon as dried out from the previous watering. A week of freezing fog and sharp frosts tested the hotbox insulation / heating system to the full and it passed with flying colours, as the minimum temperature recorded was approximately 64 degrees F. (17 degrees C.) Removal of seed pods and floral remains continues as soon as these are willing to part from the plant. This is important as cold damp conditions often give rise to fungal growth on seed pods in particular, especially those on mammillarias. Some epiphyllum hybrids are still out in the open under the car port and are being watered occasionally. One of these produced it's fourth flower in the second week which lasted until Christmas.

NOVEMBER 2006

All of the bubble insulation is now installed and as expected several warm sunny days have produced very warm conditions in the greenhouses. Under the carport the epiphyllum hybrid has opened three flowers which are noticeably paler than those produced at it's 'normal' flowering time in the spring. The pediocactus and sclerocactus collection has been moved outside under cover, as temperatures in the greenhouse are not really appropriate for these sorts. Now is the time to check all plants over for abnormalities and at the same time remove any seed pods where possible. Examination of those plants known to be susceptible to red spider mite is carried out at the same time, any found being drowned in the usual manner. Watering continues, sparingly except for the plants in the hotbox which are still being treated as normal. Neogomesia agavioides produced two beautiful flowers in the second week which lasted for three days but as yet there are no signs of any of the other ariocarpus etc, flowering.

 

OCTOBER 2006

The shading nets having been removed light levels in all greenhouses have increased sufficiently to compensate for the sun's lower elevation and brightness. The weather is still incredibly mild for this time of year compared to a few years ago, when it was usual to have at least one sharp air frost in the first two weeks of the month. Repotting has now been completed for this year. Most plants are receiving a lot less water than usual except those in the hotbox, which are still being watered weekly. An epiphyllum hybrid under the carport has flowered today (28th.) and has three more buds about to open. Also flowering is Lepismium marnieranum in the same location, where the minimum temperature this week was 43 degrees F. (6 degrees C.) Now the nights are getting colder the bubble insulation is being installed in the roofs initially, keeping the vents clear for those bright sunny days which always appear as soon as the installation is complete. In the greenhouses several plants are in bud or flower much earlier than 'normal', notably the Christmas cacti /hybrids and neoporterias.

 

SEPTEMBER 2006

There has been a decided nip in the air on one or two mornings and it reminds us to check that all heating systems are in good working order. There was a heavy layer of condensation on the inside of the glass on one misty morning reminding us also that it will soon be time to reinstall the bubble insulation and remove the shading nets. Many plants are still producing flowers in response to the mild sunny days. Examination of the roots of the pedio and sclerocacti selected for repotting reveals that they are now of sufficient length to water from below, so this repotting will be postponed to a later date, probably next year. Pediocactus simpsonii and P.knowltonii are both showing a hint of next year's flower buds so have been potted on into 5cm. (2inch) plastic tubes.

 

AUGUST 2006

One or two plants have been found with red spider mite attack, although there are no live mites present. These have been segregated and given precautionary sprayings. Some ariocarpus in the hot box are showing signs of underwatering, also Obregonia denegrii. All these are growing in clay pots which being porous dry out much quicker than plastic. Three ariocarpus plants have been repotted in our 'tubes' to see if this overcomes the problem, whilst the obregonias have been moved to 5cm. (2inch) plastic pots. Other plants growing well in tubes are the pediocactus and sclerocactus.A Dolicothele zephyranthoides grown in a tube has been carefully removed and moved on to a larger diameter 5cm. (2inch) tube. The root system on this plant is 13cm. (5inches) long and the tap root at the neck measured 2.5cm. (1inch) diameter. All of the plants resulting from last year's seed sowing have been potted on into 5cm. (2inch) plastic pots and general repotting of plants continues. A specimen Cleistocactus strausii approx. 183cm. (6ft.) high which was repotted into a large tub snapped one of it's stems during the procedure and the resulting stump has been cut off. This accident shouldn't have happened as we'd just read somewhere about the weak stem structure of these plants. The top half is now being rerooted. Preparations have been made for the repotting of three pedio and sclerocactus which have filled their tubes and made it difficult to apply water from the top. The epiphyllums growing under the car port are vigourously producing new growth and may cause some problems when the time comes to move them back into the greenhouse! Most of the lithops have now shrivelled and watering has recommenced. Now the end of the month has almost arrived, watering has been slightly reduced. If the weather remains 'normal' this will continue through September until only about half the usual quantity is being given. There are still several plants producing more flowers which are lasting longer now that the temperatures in the greenhouses are lower!

 

JULY 2006

Now that we have hot dry conditions in the greenhouses it is important to take precautions against red spider mite, so the whole collection will be sprayed on a suitable evening, so that they remain wet for as long as possible. A soil drench for all plants with a root insecticide is due in a week or two which will ensure freedom from root mealy bug and sciarid larvae until the autumn. Repotting of plants continues where absolutely necessary. The heat wave has been difficult to cope with as temperatures in the 'cold' greenhouse reached 120 degrees F (degrees C.) with vents and door open and the fan on. So far no adverse effect on the plants, fortunately. A similar problem with the hotbox had to be resolved by taking all the plants out and switching off until the (relative) cool of the evening! Some plants in bud refused to open in this very hot period, whilst others opened but faded and shrivelled within twelve hours or so. Notable exceptions to this behaviour were the epiphyllums out in the garden, which are hanging in a shady spot under a corrugated plastic roof (the car port!) Flowers on these lasted almost a week before fading. Finally a violent thunder storm or two put an end to the excessively hot weather and conditions are now back to normal. Maximum temperature recorded in the garden was 93 degrees F. (34 degrees C.)

 

 

JUNE 2006

The summer has arrived at last producing hundreds of beautiful flowers some of which have not been seen before. The task of deadheading has been taking up quite a lot of time, particularly on plants such as rebutias which although they have flowered rather later than usual due to the weather, are absolutely smothered in flowers. Another precautionary spraying has been given to the entire collection against red spider mite and some plants suspected of suffering from root mealy bug have been treated with an insecticide drench. Hotbox temperatures are needing close attention. As the fan is blowing in cooling air from inside the greenhouse which is itself at 90 - 100 degrees F. (30 - 35 degrees C) it is not having the desired effect. We are looking at some way of ducting air from outside which can be closed off in the winter months to prevent heat loss. The epiphyllums moved outside earlier in the year are now producing flowers and lots of healthy new growth which bears out our theory regarding the cause of the unsightly red marking of the leaves which plagued the plants last year. The graft of Echinocereus fobeanus made last month has proved successful and the scion is now showing signs of producing a flower bud! Of the parent plant(s) one is growing satisfactorily but the other is still looking very sick and we are afraid this one will soon be lost. In the same area of this greenhouse, a reoccurence of last years' problem with flower rot on echinocereus has appeared. The first sign that this is happening is that the petals turn brown and mushy at the junction with the seed pod, and droop. If left on this rot will spread through the seed pod into the body of the plant, causing widespread rot and eventually fatal results. The solution is to cut off the seed pod near to its' base before the rot reaches this point. The remains should then dry off and soon be able to be detached. A close watch is being kept on wilcoxia as the above warning symptoms do not appear on this sort. On a happier note, rebutias and aylosteras in this greenhouse are now producing a second flush of buds which will in the next few days be flowers. It only seems a few days since the task of deadheading them was completed! The entire collection will this week be treated with a root pesticide, which should complete the pest preventative measures for this month.

 

MAY 2006

The day temperatures in the sixteen foot greenhouse have produced red spider mite activity on one or two plants which were infested late last year and (presumably) eggs have overwintered. These pests are dealt with as soon as they are noticed and a precautionary spraying given to the whole collection as soon as possible thereafter. A further spraying is considered about two weeks later. All plants are now being fully watered at about seven to ten day intervals and as a result flowers are appearing daily. The new sclerocactus and pediocactus received last month are growing well up on the top shelf in their 100% mineral compost. This is drying out rather quickly and two waterings a week may have to be given. The last of the bubble insulation is now being taken down (in the pouring rain!) and shading nets put in place. A specimen of Echinocereus fobeanus is again showing signs of ill health and a small offset has been grafted onto opuntia rootstock. Although we do not generally like grafted plants it is sometimes the only option to save a plant that would otherwise die. Three clones of this particular echinocereus have been taken, none of which are growing well. There is little else to do apart from keeping a close watch for pests, photographing the flowers and generally enjoying the plants!

 

APRIL 2006

An epiphyllum hybrid moved under the car port in the last week of March, when several frosts were experienced, is now showing signs of flower buds. Cactus seed was sown on the 29th March and the first germinations are now appearing. The mixed weather conditions are causing problems as usual, one day needing fans on to keep the temperature down, the next being so cold the heating comes on as soon as we open the door! Pediocactus bradyi var knowltonii and both Pediocactus simpsonii are now in flower, a few days earlier than last year. The flowers of these two sorts are beautifully scented, a bonus indeed! Krainzia longiflora has produced a superb ring of flowers after only it's first light watering. The weather is really getting us down, having changed yet again to wet, cold (two frosts this week) and windy. Some of the more fussy cacti have still not had a real watering, which will have to be given soon regardless of weather conditions. New plants have arrived from the nursery and are now potted up and found spaces for. A full watering was given as soon as the middle of the month produced some suitable weather and buds and flowers appeared as if by magic within a few days. The fine weather also encouraged the last two pots of this year's seed sowing to germinate. Of course the downside of all this sunshine is that bubble insulation is having to be removed to allow adequate ventilation - even so temperatures are getting up into the 90's F. (30's C.) as shading will not be installed until all the insulation is finally removed. In contrast the night temperatures are still down around the 40 degrees F. (5 degrees C.) mark. Flowering of most of the early producers has commenced in the sixteen foot (heated) greenhouse.

MARCH 2006

Another change in the weather! The very late spring this year has delayed the full watering of the plants in all greenhouses, although small amounts are being given just sufficient to prevent shrivelling. In the unheated greenhouse the temperature has regularly dropped to 25 degrees F. (minus 4 degrees C.) without damage to the plants which demonstrates that published information regarding minimum temperatures always errs on the (very) safe side causing widespread fuel wastage. We should add that most of the plants in this house are kept very slightly moist through the winter by sparing watering or mist spraying on suitable days. In the sixteen foot greenhouse the pediocactus which have been moved from the freezing cold 'house onto the top shelf are rapidly producing many flower buds in response to a little water every week. Pediocactus bradyi var knowltonii and simpsonii should produce flowers before the end of the month if the weather holds. Last year flowers were produced at the end of the first week in April. The experiment using lengths of drainpipe as pots has yielded mixed results, some plants eg Sclerocactus busekii and Dolicothele zephyranthoides have shown remarkable growth compared to the control plant but others eg Neochilenia reichii and Gymnocactus saueri have not responded at all, the latter having actually shrunk in size. Ariocarpus fissuratus has remained about the same but the control plant has done better in an ordinary two inch clay pot. The pipe length needs more experimentation as it appears to be critical. Many other plants are producing buds which will produce flowers as soon as the weather improves, hopefully soon! The neoporterias are mostly in flower as usual as is Lepismium marnieranum, covered in it's 'fairy light' flowers and reminding us of Christmas. In the hotbox the ariocarpus continue to grow and two seedlings are now being watered twice a week, so far with good results. Cactus seed compost has been made up, pots cleansed and all made ready for this year's seed sowing at the end of the month, subject to the weather being favourable of course. We do not believe in the early sowings often advised as these can often result in failure for a number of reasons. In our view it is better to wait for the weather to be on our side rather than working against us! In the small heated greenhouse the epiphyllums having been moved, propagators have been installed on the south side which is shaded by the boundary fence and the neighbour's hedge. Here it should be warmer but not in direct sun until midsummer, by which time the cactus seedlings should be growing strongly and can be shaded with net, horticultural fleece or translucent polythene sheet.

FEBRUARY 2006

At last a few dry days have allowed us to proceed with installing the new timber staging to the north side of the sixteen foot heated greenhouse. This part of the project was completed by the middle of the month and work started on the reorganisation of plants on the south side, as well as a few larger specimens which still have to found a proper home. As usual the neoporterias are flowering here as is Lepismium marnieranum. A few mammillarias are producing the odd flower here and there also. In the freezing cold greenhouse two of the pediocactus are showing flower buds and a decision will have to be made shortly to move them into the warm and give them water. In the cold greenhouse Echinocereus davisii is smothered in tiny buds and is being watered very sparingly, as are most of the other echino's, opuntias and rebutias. Temperatures in this house are still falling below freezing on really cold nights as there is no heating installed and the lining is only bubble wrap, not proper insulation. This is the third winter these plants have survived such conditions, and most have definitely responded by producing more flowers and more flushes of flowers than previously. No losses have been experienced. Now the days are producing more and more sunshine daytime temperatures are becoming a problem and doors are left open and bubble insulation pulled back to allow some ingress of cool air. The fans will be reinstalled shortly to overcome the problem.

 

JANUARY 2006

Ariocarpus in the hotbox are now showing definite signs of growth and Neogomesia agavioides looks as though it has another flower bud appearing in the crown. All the seedlings which will be two years old in April are being moved into two inch clay long tom pots and replaced in the hotbox. 100% mineral compost is being used and all are receiving water from below at weekly or so intervals, subject of course to them being dried out from the previous watering. General repotting continues throughout the month. New timber staging is currently being made up which will be installed along the north side of the sixteen foot greenhouse to accomodate plants currently residing on the floor. It is hoped this will produce better flowering due to the temperature gradient benefit and the under staging area will be available for shade loving sorts such as epiphyllums. Experiments with the latter towards the end of last year showed that these plants grow satisfactorily outside under shelter even when temperatures are down in the thirties Fahrenheit, and a future project is in the embryo stage to move the leaf cacti permanently outdoors under some sort of covered open structure. Neogomesia agavioides flowered for one day only on the 14th January.