Noob's first Cactus

[matriarch]

Heya, so was walking through Bondi the other day and spied two cactus in a small flower shop, closer inspection found the labels calling them 'San Pedro' and what little I knew of cactus classification seemed to suggest they were. I bought the smaller but sexier of the two in a moment of spontaneity as I had been planning to get some soon anyway.

Being a little paranoid with my first precious I just wanted to know if the any of the marks on it were of worry?

Also people's thoughts on whether it would be better for me to cut and grow several plants instead of one single one (I plan to repot regardless)?

Btw it is around 50cm tall at present.

Regards

<img> http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/5125516726_16f01d930f.jpg </img>

<img> http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1343/5125525182_026f769d93.jpg </img>

<img> http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5125529118_64b2c541b7.jpg </img>

<img> http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/5125529124_8c939d4679.jpg </img>

<img> http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/5125529130_362d67eecd.jpg </img>

Edited October 29, 2010 by matriarch

[mac]

ID is Trichocereus scopulicola

if potted just a good rich cacti mix & they tend to like a good drink during the summer months, I usually just give my potted scop a squeeze if its feeling soft it needs more water treat them as you would other Trich's

Edited October 29, 2010 by mac

[nothinghead]

Looks like a scop to me. Could be pedro x scop.

Wouldn't worry about the marks, looks mostly like minor cold damage and the black marks look hardened (so they'll probably fall off at some point) and were possibly from over-watering. Propagating more plants from it by cuttings will be much faster than waiting for it to flower, and its a good time of year to do it.

[matriarch]

Thanks for the quick relies guys. I will obviously have a look around for more info but as a general idea - what kind of sizes should I cut this 50cm piece into?

And mac you mentioned a 'good rich cactus mix' - any suggestions mate?

Peace and thanks

[mac]

I usually just use the patio brand cacti & succulent mix for trich's add a little cow manure, if i want more drainage ill add 25% coarse creek sand

And a half strength liquid fertilizer in the growing season.

Edited October 30, 2010 by mac

[solomon]

I would say if you want to propagate cut the tip off at halfway, then cut the plant in half again. which would leave you with roughly a 25cm tip, 12.5cm rooted cutting and another 12.5cm cutting.

alternatively just cut in the three spots where its thinner.

Edited October 30, 2010 by centipede