bongoman Posted August 12, 2013 If I have some long (45cm) cuttings of trich. bridgesii, I understand I need to plant them the correct way up. I'm having a little trouble determining which way is up, but if I am correct, the primary spine in each cluster tends to point downwards in a bridge? That is, the larger spines tend to point to the ground rather than up? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndianDreaming Posted August 12, 2013 You could lay them on their side, then it wouldn't matter...? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bogfrog Posted August 12, 2013 the primary spine in each cluster tends to point downwards in a bridge? That is, the larger spines tend to point to the ground rather than up? I *think* this is correct, however there are probably exceptions to any such rule. You should be able plant them like that with a certain degree of confidence. Planting logs on their side has always proven to be very time consuming in my experience. I think the roots struggle to pierce through the thick skin, but hey, if you have a few pieces you may as well try both! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheExplorer Posted August 12, 2013 Do you have any pictures? Are there notches or a V shape on either side of the areoles? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
in_spirit Posted August 12, 2013 (edited) The big spine points down, edit to say bog beat me to it Edited August 12, 2013 by in_spirit 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Foo Posted August 12, 2013 I would plant at least 1 on its side. Upside down trichs dont do so well Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bogfrog Posted August 12, 2013 ^ No they do not! I had one stump which I planted upside down and it took a year and a half to grow roots and then another year to throw two little pups. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qualia Posted August 12, 2013 there's not always a 'v' notch, or a long spine. but if you look carefully the areoles sort of point "upwards", like you see in this pic also there may be "stripes" as you see on the above pic which slope downwards, but still post a pic and people will tell you which way is up (it's the only way, after all ) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M S Smith Posted August 12, 2013 The end with the thickest vascular core is the down end. ~Michael~ 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Foo Posted August 12, 2013 ^ No they do not! I had one stump which I planted upside down and it took a year and a half to grow roots and then another year to throw two little pups. You call that doing good? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bogfrog Posted August 12, 2013 No, not good at all lol. I was agreeing with you that trichs dont like being planted upside down. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Foo Posted August 12, 2013 (edited) Hahaha! Sorry man, for some bizarre reason i thought otherwise. After re-reading i cannot figure out why! The last fella i did that too died 3 years later. I managed to save the only pup (miniature) that it put out. Worst part was the seller put an arrow on the trich. Prob was i didnt know witch way it was meant to point!!! Edit: A look at Qualias pick shows a "large spine" pointing up. After looking at a few of my own, i cannot see a distinctive pattern. (will add none of mine are over 3 years old) Edited August 12, 2013 by eatfoo 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bongoman Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) Thanks for the responses. Following M.S.Smith's advice re the relative thickness of the vascular core, it's really clear now which is the right way up to plant these cuttings. My initial hunch was correct, but looking at the core at each end makes it foolproof. In the attached image, all three cuttings have the end with the thicker core at the bottom of the pic. Edited August 13, 2013 by bongoman 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites