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Avatar for quatrevinqt
Sep 24, 2017 7:39 AM CST
maputo
Hi there. I recently got threes plants, that I believe are Cacti.

I would like to know what family/category, name/species they are part of.

So I can inform myself how to take proper care of the plants.

Thank you!
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Sep 24, 2017 10:18 AM CST
Name: Baja
Baja California (Zone 11b)
Cactus and Succulents Seed Starter Xeriscape Container Gardener Hummingbirder Native Plants and Wildflowers
Garden Photography Region: Mexico Plant Identifier Forum moderator Plant Database Moderator Garden Ideas: Level 1
Top left is a prickly pear cactus, maybe Opuntia microdasys. Beware the tiny spines (actually they are called glochids)... they're really easy to get stuck on your hands (or other body part) and then it takes a while to get them out. A memorably bad experience, if you know what I mean. Smiling The other two plants are stapeliads (not cacti, actually African plants) and you will not be able to get much better of an ID on them until they flower.

The cactus will enjoy a much bigger pot over time. Plants like that usually grow into a sort of bush, one pad at a time. For now a pot maybe twice as big as the current one? When you do repot, go in steps about that big, for best results. Make sure the pot has holes at the bottom, and try to use decent potting soil (moisture absorbent, nutrient rich) with some fine gravel (pumice, perlite, etc.) mixed in, maybe 50/50.

The other two plants probably would like a pot twice as big for now as well (same general guidelines). The one in front will get significantly larger than the other. Take a look at these 2 plants (again, no way to know for sure what yours actually are until they flower, these are just sort of representative examples).




All 3 plants like strong light (daily sun) just be careful to give them a gradual stepwise adjustment to direct outdoor sun if they have been in a protected place. Water well and then wait until the soil is going dry to water again. There is no advantage to allowing the soil to sit bone dry for any extended period.
Avatar for quatrevinqt
Sep 24, 2017 1:34 PM CST
maputo
Wow! This is actually more than I could wish for an answer. You've answered my next questions as well.

I will make sure to get all the tools, pots, potting soil this week, so I can take better care of the plants as they grow and flourish.

I had a similar experience with the glochids (I'm a fast learner lol) the first time I handled the pot, and it took me a while to understand what was happening. Ever since I've been more careful.

On another note, I was hesitant, I couldn't decide which site I would open an account/sign up so I could interact and learn more about plants. But I'm glad I chose garden.org, I'm sure as time goes by, I will be able to assist others just like I was helped today.

I real appreciate your time and knowledge. It made my day : )
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Sep 24, 2017 1:36 PM CST
Name: Baja
Baja California (Zone 11b)
Cactus and Succulents Seed Starter Xeriscape Container Gardener Hummingbirder Native Plants and Wildflowers
Garden Photography Region: Mexico Plant Identifier Forum moderator Plant Database Moderator Garden Ideas: Level 1
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