From the Digest

Things to Do – February

By Barbara Rengers

Certain activities regarding growing plants and other aspects of the succulent hobby tend to recur at about the same time every year. Here are some reminders for things to address in February.

  1. If globular cacti like rebutias and a few of the mammillarias begin to show signs of flower buds, water when weather permits so they start to fill out after their winter rest.
  2. Check for mealy bugs. If found, apply one of the insecticides. Bayer Rose and Flower insecticide is a good one or use a small brush dipped in alcohol.
  3. If root mealies are found, put plants aside until March or April. Then remove from soil, wash roots with an insecticide, air dry for a few days and repot using fresh soil.
  4. Good ventilation can help prevent high temperatures, which may start the growth process way too early.
  5. Now is a good time to set up some type of files to record the development of your plants.