Hello, These 2 Cacti have come into my life recently and I am trying to give them the best home possible. We have given them nicknames (Pineapple and Green Thumb). Can anyone identify them? Both cacti are over a foot tall and seem mature. Pineapple has been rinsed down to the roots and repotted into a 1:1 mix of cactus soil and Perlite - hopefully I have not over-fertilized with Schultz cactus food- it seems to be leaking and oozing a little from the base of the top needles. Eventually, I will put some colored aquarium stones around the base - once I get the knack of knowing the frequency to water. Green Thumb and its attached clump of offspring has been temporarily transplanted into a standard garden soil - Green Thumb actually fell off and was totally round at the bottom with no roots - I applied root growth hormone and placed it back into the soil about an inch and it seems to be attached back to the clump - when I repot into the 1:1 mix of cactus soil and Perlite - hopefully it will still take hold - any suggestions? These plants give me great satisfaction especially when viewed at sunset - I find them very calming. I thank you in advance. Ricci
First one looks like a Ferocactus of some kind,second one an Echinopsis. Both look like they need more light.
Thank you both for the prompt reply. I have a point of reference now and look forward to further online research. I was excited to see pictures of both cacti in flower. What dynamic determines the color of the flower? Can you make an educated guess as to the approximate age of Pineapple or Green Thumb? Thanks again for your encouraging expertise. Ricci
the first one, maybe 5-6 years the second, imposable to tell if its seeded or a cutting. (rooted pup) if seeded, then 8-10 years if a pup then less than 5, but from a plant that is older, which was possibly a cutting from a plant older still.
Thank you kindly for the age calculation. When Green Thumb broke off during the 1st replant it's bottom was very round and tapered with a single hole in the center where the root must have been attached. It was so clean and tapered it looked like it would fit into a cup - is this a clue to the (rooted pup)? I'm happy to know Pineapple and Green Thumb are roughly the same age - is there a time in cactus age/life for specific growth spurts? Ricci
not really a clue. because seedlings have rounded bottoms too and only really become gnarled ropey trunk-rooted specimen's with old age. a big round circular depression on the bottom with in-curved margins WOULD suggest a core offset meaning likely a rooted pup. peak growth is at the beginning and end of summer. cacti grow faster when they are bigger already, a seeding might double in size in a year, but thats an inch, so, a mature specimen usually grows less on a ratio, but significantly more in volume, height, fruit. you want lots of light, but over winter, put them someplace cool, like a unheated basement that stays above 5deg C 10 is best. cool conditions negate need for light and water with seasonal dormancy. water a tiny bit maybe twice all winter, and DO NOT FEED. i have 1000W on mine and im STILL getting etoliation, so im gonna wind down the light once all the food and water get used up.
So far so good, I have placed them in a cool room with filtered outdoor light. Unfortunately, when I replanted them I really soaked them good with Schultz cactus plant food. I have since taken a chop stick and have cultivated soil here and there around the cacti to assist in releasing excess moisture content. Will have to wait and see. Looking forward to spring - when can you safely place them outdoors for the growing season? Thanks for the tips greatly appreciated! Ricci
Why filtered light? You want these in as bright a position as you can,even putting the pots outside on dry sunny days
Hi Larry, ... and there was Light! I have been researching Ferocatus as per your original identification however, I have been unsuccessfully to date online finding a match. Unfortunately, my original pictures of Pineapple posted above were taken at night with a flash. I have attached a photo of Pineapple in its daytime color. Does the color scheme provide clues for specific Ferocatus identification or location? Ricci
Hi Larry, Thanks again, I think I'm on the right track - some of the online photos are looking closer - Echinocereus sure love growing around/thru rock. Ricci
I hope you don't mind but i downloaded that pic so i could post in on the BCSS site for an ID. Will let you know if anyone nails it.
Hi Larry, You've gone way out of your way, thanks a mill. A novice, I am easily overwhelmed and over saturated with the volume of cacti info available on the web. If you require a full-on picture of Pineapple in daylight, let me know. I'm excited, a match would be super, to know with certainty its natural habitat. I did a quick preview of the BCSS website it looks great! Let me know how you make out. Ricci
Hi Ricci,no ID yet but they're of the opinion that it has undergone a change in conditions at some time as the top half looks different to the bottom part. Its as if it was once growing in sunny conditions but now its not getting enough light.
Hi Larry, This is like a CSI TV program clues, clues, clues. In light of the "changing growing conditions", I am currently tracing the human chain of travel that Pineapple took enroute to me. I bought Pineapple for $7.00 at a local thrift shop but the circumstance of sale was unusual - the lady had brought Pineapple and Green Thumb in to the store from her own home, she had been given both Cacti from a friend however, her dog was unable to co-exist with them so she brought them to work and put her own "for sale" signs on them. I was in the right place at the right time! Over the next week I will try to find the original owner and get a first hand story on their history. Thanks for all your added effort. Ricci
Hi Larry. Received another independent ID for Pineapple, "Ferocactus Acanthodesis", which it seems from further research has now been renamed "Ferocactus Cylindraceus" - you mentioned "Ferocatus" way back. Pineapple continues to sweat at night, remaining water from the last good drench. Unfortunately, the Cactus lady was not working at the thrift shop today, perhaps next week. Have a great weekend! Ricci
