The semi-desert in Mexico where we live is home to thousands of types of cacti. Having inhabited less arid locales all my life, I was not initially fond of cacti. But after visiting cactus propagation farms and seeing such a huge variety of types, I'm now a fan of the cactus. Our cacti are busy propagating themselves at the moment. No seeds for them! They've found other ways to multiply.
This one (not the big middle one but the ones surrounding it) throws its babies around when we're not looking.
This one keeps its babies closer.
This one sprouts rabbit ears.
A growth on the top.
Growths out the sides.
This is the same plant as above. It goes up and down.
Tumor-like growths all over the trunk.
Can you see the new growth at the base? Pulling the weeds from around the bottom is a delicate operation I haven't perfected yet.
Presumably you can twist off the babies, put them in dirt and get a new plant. I haven't tried it yet.
And the pièce de resistance: a bright yellow flowering top. I can't wait to see what happens next.
The expert at the cactus farm said to water them once every six months and never to fertilize, which would replicate conditions in their natural habitat. We have friends with huge cacti on their patio growing over the top of the roof. They'll need a crane to remove them. They water once a week and use Miracle Grow once a month. I guess it depends on what size cacti you want.
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