We were given the small one about four months ago and the larger one maybe 18mths ago, I am wondering if I can get them identified and also if they would be a flowering variety. The larger one looks like the top is very slowly opening maybe to flower and if so how long and I have put a small bamboo stake to hold it because it looks like it is get top heavy!! The smaller one only had the main section then all of a sudden the side 'branches' grew and maybe they would flower also.

Geoff
Australia

The larger one looks like Mammillaria spinosissima Un Pico. No, its not blooming but is much much happier in your care. I can tell that because the new growth on top is bigger than the old growth. It blooms red in a ring around the top. The one in the same pot maybe Haworthia.

The other one is a Sempervivum. It is growing offsets. Usually, the offsets would root into soil and form a 'skirt' arount the larger plant. The main plant will bloom and then die, leaving the offsets to take its place. It looks like the main plant is already dying so, unless you can root the offsets, you will lose that one. Its a tough plant to grow in a pot and in warm climates.

thankyou very much for your prompt reply and answering my questions. Looking forward to the larger one getting some colour and if its not to late I might try and get the offsets to take root.

Thanx again
geoff
australia

Its probably the right time of year to try to root cacti but I'm not sure why you would want to remove the offsets. I would be beyond happy if my Un Pico decided to branch.

No sorry I didn't mean I was going to remove the offsets just see if I could get them to root in the soil in the pot. You were saying something about the larger one blooming in a red ring around the top, obviously they are very slow growers (which doesn't bother me) but would you be able to give a rough idea on about how long it may take to flower.

Geoff
australia