r/matureplants

🌵 Just to let you know that I assumed that this cactus was Parodia ottonis subsp horstii, but in actual fact, it's a Parodia penicillata because of the spines and rib formation. It's sometimes hard to get the right information, especially way back whe. I started to really get into cacti and succulents in 2005, I assumed that the tag was right and never really doubled-check the species, as i didn't have the internet back then.

🌵 Now, with most of the information at yours fingertips its not hard to cross-check plants and to see which species they are, but not all information is correct, as you can see, I got it wrong. 🤣

🌵 Since cactus and succulents are getting to be a more fashionable hobby, especially after covid. But even before then, there were quite a number of people into these magnificent plants. These plants have been growing in cultivation for decades, and a lot of species have been cross-pollinate to get some magnificent hybrids, where, as a lot of growers are trying to get the perfect flower. So now it's even harder to work out the species than it is to work out the genus if you get my drift.

🌵 This Parodia penicillata has been in my collection for 21yrs, and this is the first yr that it has flowered right through winter, as I've always thought they only flower during late spring through summer. Well, that proved my theory wrong. So, with the right conditions, some of these cacti can flower right winter. Which is a new thing for me.

🌵 The great thing about this is that a pecies of my cactus collection made me feel good through our miserable winter. Do get me wrong, but I did have other succulents that did provide some colour, but it's totally different when you have a cactus doing this. 😊👍🏻

🌵All in all, this Parodia penicillata just blows me away with its growth and all its offsets it has. I can't wait till the majority of the offsets start flowering, as I just gave them a quarter dose 0-0-41-17, which is Sulphate of Potash, to give the cactus that extra boost to push out more blooms

🌵 Here is some information that I sourced from the net about Parodia penicillata:

🌵 Parodia penicillata is a high-altitude cactus native to the rocky, steep mountain slopes of Salta in northern Argentina, where it thrives in fast-draining, gravelly soils under bright, indirect sunlight and intense atmospheric UV exposure. First formally described in the mid-20th century, its species name translates to "brush-like," describing the fine, dense cluster of spines that crown the top of its stem. While it starts out spherical, it eventually grows into a taller column up to 50 centimetres high, producing vibrant orange to red funnel-shaped flowers during summer. In cultivation, it does best in a mineral-heavy substrate with good air circulation and regular spring-to-summer watering, requiring a cold, dry winter dormancy to protect its root system and trigger a reliable flowering cycle.

🌵 By the way the information that I personally give out is the partially from my own experience from growing my collection for over 2 decadeds, and information that I've sourced from the net. The main thing is realy your conditions where your are, as this can make a big difference. So pick and choose the information that you need for your Zone. The Zone where i live is Zone 9a to 10a (with minimum winter temperatures typically staying around -1°C to 4°C / 30°F to 40°F, depending on microclimates and proximity to the bay).

🌵 Hope this information helps you with your cactus and succulents.👍🏻

Happy Gardening! 😊 👋🏻👋🏻 🌵🪴🌵

I was watching tv and noticed I've collected a bunch of plants on this little shelf. In this picture, there are 7 alocasia, 2 monstera, 2 philodendron, 1 orchid, 1 rhaphidophora, and a string of hearts. It's kind of growing together. There's pictures of my family back there somewhere.... is this a problem or exactly right?

It’s was a baby from my plant and in a very, very happy window at their place

So I’ve inherited this plant basically after never caring about plants.. but this one was my grandmothers and is 20+ years old so I’d like to do my best.

I’ve seen pictures of dracaenas online and most seem to have lifted leaves, but even when I was a kid I’ve always remembered this plant having somewhat droopier leaves… is it normal?

I’ve also noticed the tips are browning…

What would you guys suggest ? Do you think it gets enough light where it is? I really don’t know anything about plants or how to go about it… would you suggest I maybe try repotting it without the vine plant (idk what it’s called) with some fresh soil? I’ve also just learned they don’t like tap water so I’ll be watering with my brita from now on..lol.

Any suggestions or tips are welcome, Tia.

This mother plant started off in a little pot with 1 leaf. This is now the 4th year she has produced Deliciosa with just over 50!

I bought Big Baby four yrs ago when I started my planting journey. I replanted just once since buying him. Watering technique is when he lets me know. And now he is losing leaves by the week. Lighting is basically 8-10 hr a day in front of a window. Is he dying slowly? My confusion is the Pothos are doing fine. Should I seperate and get rid of him?

Heard y'all would appreciate this beast