Seed planning 2014

Almost April the 1st. And as you might know, this is sowing day for me. Only this year it's a little bit different, because I'll become a dad in the same period! (within a couple of weeks!)

The plan is to sow at the same date our son is born. I think it'll be kind of cool that - if he ever gets interested in cacti - he'll have some Aztekium ritteri, sown at the day he was born. Or maybe he'll just don't give a fuck! Hah! Well... Then I'll have some A. ritteri sown at the day my first child was born. =P

I've ordered everything at ADBLPS from France again. You have to know that the photo's below are from their site. I've used their photo's because the seeds that I'll sow are coming from these plants!

Astrophytum

Astrophytum asterias, Gonzales/TAMPS/Mexique [GK 85/96] - 100 seeds

Astrophytum asterias, a species which I've tried to grow back in 2011. Germination went alright (13 out of 20), but within the first six months ten of them died. The rest died in the following 6 months... My bad, because I've re-potted them in a substrate consisting of 100% Seramis(fired clay) and probably over watered them. My conclusion: species that like mineral substrate won't do well in 100% fired clay. It just keeps them to humid.

Astrophytum coahuilense SB 1474, Lerdo/DUR/Mexique [MG 56.3/97] - 20 seeds

I was first thinking about ordering some A. myriostigma seeds, but then I saw this fellow. First I had them both on my list, but later on I´ve decided to choose the one I like the most; Astrophytum coahuilense! Although it's looking quite similar to A. myriostigma, it's a different species for sure. A coahuilense has more grey flecks on its body, different flowers, fruit, seed and Embryo (according to what I've read here and there online!).

Escobaria

Escobaria missouriensis 'wissmannii' [GK 1198/90] - 100 seeds

Escobaria missouriensis, one of the most frost resistant cactus species in the world, so I've read. Some northern populations are resistant to -35 -45°C (-31 -49°F) and although they prefer good drainage and a little drought before being watered again, they should be able to survive cold and wet conditions at the same time. Don't believe me on my word here! This will be my little experiment and I'll be glad to tell you if it worked out or not. I've ordered 100 seeds of this species, so there is enough testing material for the following years. I'll even have some experiments with seedlings outside in the cold.

Aztekium

Aztekium ritteri [U/94] - 100 seeds

Aztekium ritteri. I've grown (and am still growing!) this plant before. In 2011 I've sown 40 seeds. 8 germinated and 4 of them have survived. These 4 seem to be extremely strong and indestructible right now.

Aztekium ritteri, 4 years old

Aztekium ritteri, 4 years old

They're not bigger than 2 mm and have just survived 5 months without water (winter rest)! Anyway, in 2012 I've sown 20 and none of them have germinated. This time I'll sow 100 of them and use the Fleischer method described on this page of Succseed. I'll also sow in two different pots with two different substrate mixtures.

Aztekium hintonii [GK 4994/13] - 20 seeds

And last but not least: Aztekium hintonii, a littl less ancient looking than A. ritteri, but still a cool looking plant! There is one other species of the Aztekium family that was discovered last year by Mario Valdez Maroquin. It's named after him; Aztekium valdezii. Sadly it's natural habitat is getting plundered right now by idiots that only care about money and don't give a fuck about the fact that they're causing this species to become extinct in no time. By the way: it's also illegal to possess plants or seeds... My advise; don't buy plants or seeds online for extreme prices. Wait till the true cacti breeders are able to sell seeds from cultivated plants for normal prices, because you'll support the extinction of a great plant if you don't have the patience to wait a few years.

Wish me good luck!

The only thing left to do now is wait... When will my son be born? Will my seeds arrive on time? Will I have the time to sow on his birthday?! Ah! What does it all matter! Right now it's being the most exiting time of my life and I'm looking forward to everything. I know it's no piece of cake, but I don't mind. Cake is too boring and I'm ready for something more, something real, something with a meaning. It all feels very natural and of course life won't always be sunny, but that only gives a contrast which makes you appreciate more what you got when things do go right. Wise words here! Keep them in mind. ;-)

Adios!

 

Good day to you! On April the 1st 2011 I've also been sowing stuff as you might know. Most of it is growing well, some better than others and a couple of them have already been given away. That's the way you do it to keep a collection like this in a suitable size.

Aztekium ritteri

Aztekium ritteri

Yeah... I'm having some problems with this tiny species. I've sown 40 of them and they just didn't pop up. If I remember well, only 8 did and only 4 (as you can see) have survived. That's alright for me. It was one of the first times that I've been sowing cacti. Last year I've tried this species again and guess what? Nothing! Arg... I'll give it another try next year and do some more research before I start.

I've read that they should germinate in closed containers or bags (or whatever method you use that works for you) and be kept inside this closed environment for at least 2 years. The seeds are very tiny so I guess you should be careful not to crush them.

Carnegiea gigantea 

Carnegiea gigantea (Saguaro)

17 germinated (15 sown! Huh?!), 2 of them died in the first year and 2 of them I've given away. I'm satisfied with these results. I definitely don't need a lot of these giants in my house, even though they grow very slowly and probably won't even have branches during my life...

Carnegiea gigantea, double-headed

On the right you can see a double-headed Saguaro. I guess some can have branches during my life (if I may call it branches). Two headed cacti, it happens once in a while. During the last 2 years it has happened twice to me.

Trichocereus terscheckii

Trichocereus terscheckii (Cardon Grande)

My 'largest' cacti seedling! This fat-ass seems very healthy to me and I really have no idea how quick it will grow in the future. They say that E. Terscheckii won't be as big as the Saguaro, but that it certainly grows a lot faster! 

I've sown 15 of them, 7 popped out of the ground and these are still alive today (I've given 3 of them away).

Peyote news!

Lophophora Williamsii (Peyote)

The one in the front and the one on the left are sown here and the other two were a gift. As you can see, the one on the left side looks a little weird. That one and others of the same package were starting to rot and die, so I've tried to graft this one. Guess what happens... The grafted part died and the leftover started to grow again.

Lophophora williamsii v. Nuevo Yucatan (another Peyote)

A variety from Nuevo Yucatan. Tiny fat green little balls, growing well and looking good.

Lophophora williamsii v. La Popa Nuevo Leon

The most successful package of all 3. This variety from La Popa Nuevo Leon seems to grow really well. Lots of survivors and I guess this is a very strong variety. I'll try to grow some more of these again in the future.

The end of Peyote-News.

Trichocereus bridgesii

Trichocereus bridgesii

I don't really understand the growth of these little sticks... They are able to be up one day, laying on one side the day after and on the next day on the other side. The one in the middle is the prettiest of them all. The others are just weird and I hope they'll grow normal one day...

Astrophytum asterias

Astrophytum asterias

Growing slowly, but looking good. That's all I have to say about this species for now.

Browningia microsperma

Browningia microsperma

More or less the pride of my collection. I've obtained these rare seeds that were imported from Peru and almost every seed germinated and is now growing perfectly. I've already given 3 of them away and will probably keep the rest for myself. Amazingly pretty and healthy growing plants in my opinion! I'm starting to like the South American species more and more, mainly the ones from Brazil and Peru.

Mix package from a Dutch Hardware store

I'm not sure about which species I'm growing here, but they're doing well!

Some Ferocactus species?

Another Ferocactus?

Echinocactus grusonii?

Cereus something?

No idea...

That's about it. My ever-growing collection will soon need more space or at least some pruning. I'm thinking about a small greenhouse on one of my balconies (or on both) and later on a bigger greenhouse when I have the space for that!

Later!

2011's seedlings and other stuff...

Whoo-ah! Welcome back on my blog. 

I'm having a little party over here... Everyone is sleeping except for me and the birds, which actually means that my wife went to bed early and I'm smoking Samuel Gawith Balkan flake (Latakia), drinking some beers and listening to the 'Bird' together with the birds! I guess this might look a little bit confusing to you, so I'll try to explain it a bit; I'm listening to Charlie 'Bird' Parker, one of my favorite Jazz musicians. Maybe I'm going crazy, but I really believe that the birds are liking it! Normally they hate it when I'm keeping them awake with music...

Hmm... Forget about it. Let's see what we have here... Last week I've taken some photos of the ones that I've sown April last year. I'm not going to write long explanations about each species this time. Most of you just scroll and only check out the pictures anyway. Don't worry! I'm alright with that... I mostly do the same. :-)

Echinopsis terschecki

Carnegiea gigantea

Carnegiea gigantea - Double-headed

Trichocereus Bridgesii

Browningia microsperma

 

Peyote 'news' !

Lophophora williamsii

Lophophora williamsii v Nuevo Yucatan

Lophophora williamsii v La Popa, Nuevo Leon

Next year I'll sow some more Peyote. I'm planning to order Lophophora williamsii v Cedral. I've been trying to find THE variety used by the Huichol Indians and I guess I can't get any closer to Wirikuta. Wirikuta is the place where they used to harvest their sacred plant. Cedral in San Luis Potosí might be that place and if not... At least it's very close!

End of Peyote news...

Astrophytum asterias

Aztekium ritteri

Ferocactus ???

Ferocactus ???

Echinocactus grusonii (?)

Cereus ???

Pilosocereus glaucochrous

 This last one is an off-set from a crest-cactus that I've given to my friend Bob a couple of years ago. It's doing well I guess...

 

Time for another beer, some metal and World of Warcraft. Have nice weekend!

A short photo-blog about the seedlings of last year

Good day to you! Just another blog... This time without all the bullshit talk. (don't worry! Next time I'll write crap again. ;-) )

April the 1st, 2012

 The photo's below are made on 11-3-2012. All the seedlings that you see here were sown at 1-4-2011, so they're almost 1 year old. Here they all have just been re-potted. (all, accept Aztekium ritteri, because they're soooo small!)

INDEX

1. The plan
2. 2 months after sowing
3. 1 year after sowing

Aztekium ritteri - Almost 2mm!

Browningia microsperma

Astrophytum asterias

Lophophora williamsii ( Peyote )

Lophophora williamsii - La Popa, Nuevo Leon ( Peyote )

Lophophora williamsii - Nuevo Yucatan ( Peyote )

Carnegiea gigantea ( Saguaro )

Echinopsis terscheckii ( Cardon grande )

Trichocereus bridgesii

At April the 1st this year, I've sown a loooot more! I guess I'll write a blog about that project during the upcoming week. Cya! CHEERS!

Cacti Seedlings 2011 (close-ups) plus some new housemates!

Good-day to all of you and nice that you're reading my blog. Probably you're bored as hell and have nothing better to do, but that's okay! I'm in the same position, typing this blog. ;-)

I was a little bit bored, so when I was watering and feeding (feeding?! Yes! But don't worry. I'm not trying to make them eat hamburgers or something like that! It's just some sort of liquid that I add to the water. It contains some stuff that they need to grow healthy.) the seedlings that I've sown at April 1st this year (2011), I've decided to give it a chance and make some cool close-ups.

Probably none of you (well... Maybe one of you have, so that would be 50% of my blog-readers!) have ever seen a cactus-seedling in his life, so now I'm giving you the possibility to be "one of the chosen ones". Blablabla...  Okay, here we go!

INDEX

1. The plan
2. 2 months after sowing
3. 1 year after sowing

Aztekium ritteri

One of the smallest cacti in the world! (They grow VERY slowly, so in about 15 year, their diameter will actually reach the size of 10 centimeter!  

Their rocky appearance, the color and form of the ribs are said to appear in the sculptures of the early Aztec Indians

 (full-grown one which isn't mine. HERE)

Carnegiea gigantea (the famous Saguaro!)

  These little friends are seedlings of biggest bad-ass cactus in the world, the symbol of Arizona, THE cactus that appears in any western movie: the Saguaro! Like I've said before (see the stuff I've posted some months ago) it will take about hundred years till they'll get their first branches, so probably I won't be around anymore. But besides that: it will be a nice present to our grandchildren! (I guess I should have kids myself first... Stephanie?! Ah! Well... We're not in a hurry, but if this guy here will have kids in the future, I'm hundred percent sure that there is no greater mother in the world than my wife Stephanie! (and of course every guy is saying that about his wife, but I'm sure about it!)

Echinopsis terscheckii (Cardon Grande)

Not as huge as the Saguaro, but these spiky balls that are famous under the name "Cardon Grande" will reach a height of 12 meters! And then I have some good news for my wife: they won't take 150 year to reach that height, but they'll be there a lot faster! I don't know where we're going to keep them, but I'm sure that Stephanie already has a place in mind: the trashcan!

 PEYOTE NEWS - Take II

Lophophora Williamsii (the Peyote)

 Right! More Peyote! 

The biggest fans of my blog will probably remember the tragic end of PEYOTE NEWS - Take I... This time I'm taking better care and like I've written on the end of "Take I": the ones I'm growing right now, already are twice as big! At the moment 45 are up! (I'm planning to sow more next year)

(HERE you can find a photo of a full-grown Peyote. The plant is not mine!)

Lophophora williamsii v. La Popa Nuevo Leon ( Peyote )

 This is just another variety: the same cactus, but with a different appearance. (and another photo of this plan when it is full-grown you can find HERE)

Lophophora williamsii v. Nuevo Yucatan ( Peyote )

 And another variety of the Peyote. Again: it's the same family and the same sub-specie. The difference is that it grows on another location which give a little bit of a different shape to it. (HERE another photo of the full-grown version)

I would also like to show you a photo taken outside that I've found on the internet. Just for you to understand why I think spineless cactus is so damn pretty. CLICK

 THE END of PEYOTE NEWS - Take II!

___________________________________________________

Echinopsis bridgesii

Family of the San Pedro: also consumable! Right now you're probably thinking: Stan is going crazy! Within 10 to 20 years he'll turn up as a mescaline-junky! Don't worry! I'm not really planning to eat them... I just think they're pretty and when I'm older, balder and bored I'll decide again what to do!

Astrophytum asterias

Another spineless cactus and a very pretty one if you ask me. (HERE blablabla)

Browningia microsperma

 This one seems to be kind of rare in collections... I was actually just surfing the internet to find "the-most-pretty cactus around" and I ended up to chose this one. Probably my taste is kind of weird. Not that I'm trying to be different in purpose and to be honest: sometimes I rather to keep things quiet instead of bragging around (not that there is something to brag about... Accept my beautiful wife of course!).

HERE you can find another photo of a full-grown plant. This one is taken (not by me!) in it's natural habitat.

Uhhmmm... This was it for today and the upcoming weeks! Time to spend the rest of the weekend outside in the sun with my lovely wife, a pipe and a beer... Life can be great! =D