Hello, I have been growing the same San Pedro cactus for 10 years now, last winter they became so tall, and I got tied up in school, and left them to flop over and die...almost. I decided I didn't want to grow cactus anymore and got rid of the largest one that had flopped over due to lack of water, then my heart string tinged and I realized I just couldn't let them go completely after growing them from little pups. So here we are, one large cactus that has given birth to many many cuttings, and 3 new pups for the summer. in the 10 years I've had these cactus I've never gotten a flower! I have a friend who has a pup of mine, it honestly looks like it's always on death's door step, flopped over, squishy and yet every year he gets a gigantic white bloom! How can I get my cactus to flower? If I take cuttings does this stunt the flowering? I have taken many over the years, so this could be it. Also, my eldest cactus is turning very brown, it always produces a lovely new growth when I take cuttings, but what can I do to help it stay strong? (p.s. no one is doing anything they shouldn't be with cactus for the record.) Thanks , Justine
I don't know about this particular species, I don't grow the bigger columnar cacti, but whether a cactus will flower or not depends on several factors: Species, some flower more easily than others. They need to reach a certain size before they flower. Many columnar cacti need to be quite big for that (that is why I don't grow them). Light, if they are placed in a bright position they flower a lot easier. This is important and a major reason why cacti grown on windowsills are reluctant to flower. Adequate supply of water and nutrients during the growing season. Some species are said to need a cold, dry resting period to flower. I am not sure to what extent this is true, but in areas with dark winters cacti fare better if they do get this rest, and cacti that grow well are more likely to flower.
alright, well I'll try and baby it with fresh soil and fertilizer and compost this summer,and maybe I'll keep it out of the bright window over winter. Thanks for the tips
