From the Digest

Each monthly issue of the Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society Digest includes club updates, columns and articles by members on their favorite aspects of cactus and succulent culture. Digest Editor Jolie Krupnik and various club contributors always provide plenty of plant material to ponder.

Follow the links to right to view a sample copy of the digest or read individual articles. Join HSCSS to receive every newsletter in print and/or electronic form.

To Bonsai or Not to Bonsai

October 2024

By Susan Carpentier – I have a soft spot for succulents that look like trees. My favorite species is Operculicarya decaryi, but I also have a selection of plants from the Bursera, Jatropha, Commiphora, Fockea and Ficus genera. They make wonderful bonsais due to their wild/wonderful caudices. A fellow HSCSS member gifted me a few older succulent plants that needed repotting. This is how I repotted and reworked them info bonsai forms. …

Choosing the Right Indoor Lights/Fixtures

October 2024

By Cara Voss – As the temperatures start getting lower, and the days get shorter, many of us start thinking about the great migration back inside. A main thought is where am I going to put all these plants? That leads to what lights would be most suitable for them. If you look online, it can be quite overwhelming to see all the different kinds of lighting you can purchase. The three main types of grow lights are LED, HID and fluorescent. …

Grafting Cacti and Succulents

August 2024

By David Keller – Grafting is the process of attaching a desirable plant, the scion, to another plant, the rootstock. This alters the production of the rootstock in such a way as to support or propagate the scion, which would otherwise be selected against in nature. Many of our favorite succulents and cacti are more successful as grafted scions, as many cannot thrive on their own roots or grow viable roots. Others …

Order 2024 T-Shirts Now!

June 2024

The 2024 club T-shirts are ready for ordering. The front features a brightly blooming gymnocalycium, while the HSCSS logo will be on the left shoulder. Choose from several styles and colors for men and women. The cost is $25 per shirt for all styles and sizes from small to XL, $26 for 2XL shirts and $27 for 3XL shirts. To order, contact Joe Merkelbach at jemerk2@yahoo.com.

Henry Shaw and Lad Cutak

April 2024

By Ralph Olliges – Have you ever wondered why our club is named Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society? And who was the founder of our club? HSCSS was named in honor of Henry Shaw; Lad Cutak was the club founder. Henry Shaw was born in Sheffield, England in 1800. Around 19 years of age, he traveled to the port of New Orleans, a bustling town. Shaw decided to go north to St. Louis, which was a small trading post …

In Memoriam: Mario Carlos

April 2024

Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society member and mentor Mario Carlos passed away in March after two years of battling cancer. He was a devoted family member, cherished member of the community, and established artist and educator named St. Louis Community College Teacher of the Year in 2021. In addition, Mario was an avid gardener known for his passion for plants, including caudiciforms, …

New Aloe Hybrid: Aloe ‘Bokeh’

January 2024

By Hammy Sorkin – When I noticed two separate Aloe hybrids blooming at the same time in late 2021, I got a botanically perverted idea. With a sterilized paintbrush, I took pollen from the flowers of one and transferred it onto stigmas of the other. The resulting plant was named “Bokeh” after the photography technique of using a blurred background. The plant displays unique characteristics for aloes. …

The Show Is Coming!

September 2023

By Judy Meyer – I realize the show is over – long gone, but wasn’t it fun? I was so excited as soon as the dates were announced. I read about the new organization for the show. I listened intently at the meetings, asked questions and formulated my game plan. This year I was determined to jump in with both feet and take part in our club’s big event. …