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.
By Joe Merkelbach – The photo image that is the basis for this year’s HSCSS T-shirts shows the natural spacing characteristic that giant saguaros exhibit in habitat. This spacing trait is a natural fit with the now-usual conditions of life with social distancing in 2020.
Former HSCSS President Mike Hellmann has joined the Cactus and Succulent Society of America board of directors. Although Hellmann had been nominated as a board candidate for next year by Woody Minnich, he was recently appointed by CSSA President Jeff Pavlat to replace a director who had to resign from the board. Hellmann’s term runs through the end of 2021. …
HSCSS Program Director Dave Janas has left his position as a horticulturist at Missouri Botanical Garden and is headed home to New Hampshire, leaving the program position for Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society vacant. “For us, it is a great loss,” society President Ralph Olliges said. “Thanks, Dave, for all that you have done …
The Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society has donated $2,000 to the Center for Plant Conservation to help preserve two diminutive succulent species. The club gave $1,000 to support the Navajo pincushion cactus, Pediocactus peeblesianus var. peeblesianus and $1,000 toward conservation efforts for the short-leaved dudleya, Dudleya brevifolia. …
By Mike Hellmann – Summer looks bleak at this point. We’re all canceling vacations while also trying to get back to work and adjusting to changes we never expected to address. No sports, no special events, and the “unknown” looms ahead of us. I know this is a difficult time for all. Please take time to catch up on things, create projects and enjoy what you have around you. Hopefully, when we finally step out of this pandemic, the world will be a better place. …
By Mike Hellmann – It is indeed a concerning world in which we’re living right now, with so many new and unprecedented things happening at such a fast pace. We’re living one day to the next, not knowing what the next day will bring. Please find solace in your plants as much as you can. Many exciting things are happening right now with the spring season, so take some time to enjoy them. …
By Bob Williams – There are two ways that cucumber beetles can damage plants. First are the larvae. They have a very hearty appetite and can devour the roots in a very short time. The adult beetles feed on the leaves of plants. This is where the real damage occurs. When the beetles eat the leaves and stems, the consumption does not really damage the plants. Bacteria wilt causes the damage. …
By Bob Williams – Most succulent collectors (and many non-collectors) have at least aloe. A number of pests and diseases can attack – and damage – these common plants. Scale, aphids, mealy bugs, snout beetles and mites all affect aloes. Diseases such as basal stem rot, aloe rust and sooty mold can also take a toll on aloe plant health. …