Jonstn Posted July 22, 2011 (edited) Hey all, first post been a visitor of this site for quite a few years. I recently got a cutting, I've looked around for growing tips and what not but haven't had to much success. A ) What is the best time to start a cutting in S.A? should i wait until late spring or even summer? B ) the cutting is about 25cms, how far into the soil should the cutting go to prevent falling etc? C ) There is a potting mix I've been reading that has 2 parts cacti mix, 1 part perlite and 1 part pavers sand, will this be necessary? or will i get the same result from just regular cacti mix? D ) i have a 90 or so liter pot, will this be sufficient for decent growth? growing it in the ground isn't a option at the moment. Thanks in advance for the help, apologies if this has already been covered. Peace. Edited October 31, 2011 by Jonstn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alice Posted July 22, 2011 (edited) Hey man, welcome. A) if it's really cold and wet, maybe wait until it's warmer and dryer. I probably wouldn't, just keep it out of the rain until the cutting is well caloused and ready to throw roots. \\ I'd go about a third, maybe 8cm or so. In general, deep enough so that it's secure in the wind without staking. So for a 30 cm cutting, maybe 10 deep. For a 1m cutting, maybe 20 or 25 cm. Depends on your soil type. C) Won't hurt, but not necessary. Trichs are tough, especially pach. D) I would start in a much smaller pot and gradually pot up as necessary. That way you can dry the pot out in a day if you encounter problems related to moisture. A 90L pot is great for a big cactus, but with a small cutting with few roots it will take a week to dry out, which is a problem if you happen to encounter rot. Plus with frequent (seasonal) potting up, gives you a chance to put some fresh potting mix and ferts in there. You've picked one of the easiest cacti to grow (that's a good thing!) so you shouldn't have too many issues. Happy Friday. Edited July 22, 2011 by Alice Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dworx Posted July 22, 2011 (edited) abandoned Edited April 4, 2013 by dworx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CβL Posted July 22, 2011 The specialist potting mixes are however necessary for other species of cacti and succulents, as many will rot very easily when touching organic matter. I think a good pot to start off with will have a volume 2-3x that of the cactus cutting going into it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
J Smith Posted July 22, 2011 I agree with Alice but I only put approx. 1-2cm underground. The more underground the greater the chance of rot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
7baz Posted July 22, 2011 after u slice a cutting...be sure to let it dry out for a good week before sticking it into the ground.. or it will die. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonstn Posted July 23, 2011 Thanks everyone, much appreciated! So I'll go out and buy a smaller pot, it'll make it cheaper to do the mix, then ill build up And once I've potted it, not to water until it has rooted. I received the cutting in a trade on shroomery it was almost completely calloused, it is fully now so its just a matter of getting the pot and mix Thanks again guys, I'll be updating the growing process on here as i do it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
incognito Posted July 23, 2011 if you threw it outside over ur shoulder on the ground it would take root eventually and grow Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonstn Posted July 23, 2011 if you threw it outside over ur shoulder on the ground it would take root eventually and grow hahaha that's what i like to hear Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bretloth Posted July 23, 2011 That's true man, tough as shit trichos. I spun out at Fields cactus farm there are columns lying on the ground everywhere, either from falling over or being cut and left there, all rooting and throwing pups just lying on the ground. Here's a few pics, the last one is what a rosei 1 looks like 15 years after being thrown on the ground and forgotton, then periodicly raped lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonstn Posted July 23, 2011 Nice pics mate! Their hardiness is making me more confident that I won't screw it up (seems almost impossible) only thing I'm worried about is whether I'll over water it. Thanks for the tips! Might go sus a pot and mix tomorrow Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonstn Posted October 29, 2011 Finally some growth!! And there's some sort of markings at the base, doesn't feel squishy or anything and when I dug down a little I noticed there was roots shooting out of the effected area: Now that it's heating up a bit and it's rooting I've started watering it every so often when the soil is looking dry as. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tipz Posted October 29, 2011 Nothing wrong with that Now its established and the weather is warming up, dont be scared to water and fertilise regularly. Trichs lap it up ! Happy days Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonstn Posted October 29, 2011 Cheers for that tipz, will sus out what ferts to get and start feeding him more often Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhoenixSon Posted October 29, 2011 good to see non pc pach floating about, nice cactus. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonstn Posted October 29, 2011 Cheers buddy is it a non pc? I don't know how to tell the diff with all my newbness thanks for the heads up Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tipz Posted October 29, 2011 Have a read of this thread Jonstn. how to i.d a pach Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bretloth Posted October 29, 2011 (edited) I think it's a peru, those aeroles don't look pach to me, more peru. Kind of looks like a roseii pup. Could be wrong. Seasol, miracle grow and stuff like that are good. Give em lots of nitrogen and watch em boom Edited October 29, 2011 by Bretloth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonstn Posted October 30, 2011 Have a read of this thread Jonstn. how to i.d a pach Thanks buddy good read, people back then made epic as posts haha awesome info though. I think it's a peru, those aeroles don't look pach to me, more peru. Kind of looks like a roseii pup. Could be wrong. Seasol, miracle grow and stuff like that are good. Give em lots of nitrogen and watch em boom Cheers breloth, oh no confusion lol, reading a bit of that thread tipz posted in im thinking it's pach but as I said earlier im newb'd out, the dude told me its pach but I dunno lol, I just think it looks cool either way can't wait for it to do some serious growth! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bretloth Posted October 30, 2011 It's definatly cool, and not a pach. Rosei 1 mate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonstn Posted October 31, 2011 Sweet cheers buddy Finding a bit of info on the rosei, glad I have the proper name now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites