Along with columns, club updates and other material, each issue of the Henry Shaw Cactus Digest includes “Plant of the Month” articles on members’ favorite cacti and succulents. The articles typically include photos and facts on the plants’ origins, distribution and growing conditions, as well as care and cultivation tips. Plants featured in this month’s Digest are shown below. Access previous POM articles from the pulldown menus to right.
By Kevin Romine – Mammillaria geminispina is a twin-spined cactus native to central Mexico. It can grow 10 inches tall by 20 inches wide. It is a densely spined, flowering cactus. Some species cluster, while others remain solitary. M. geminispina is a fairly easy cactus to grow and does not require a lot …
By Pat Mahon – As we approach the holidays, there is one cactus most notable for blooming this time of year. Most people simply call it the “Christmas cactus,” but this plant is more than just a throwaway companion to the poinsettia. The plants sold in stores this time of year are actually Schlumbergera hybrids, coming in an array of colors. What most may not know is from where these cacti …
By Bob Williams – At our October 2019 meeting, Pam Schnebelen brought in a bonsai tree on which the leaves were starting to turn colors. Dormancy was just around the corner. It was an interesting plant and one with which I was not familiar. This plant is not a true succulent, but makes an interesting bonsai specimen. The plant she displayed was Sterculia africana. Sterculia is a genus …