Welcome to the May eNews

Good Growing!

Brian Ayres (Editor, BCSS eNews)

Early birds ticket buyers will be entered into a raffle for an exciting prize!
Details to come…

JOHN PILBEAM MEMORIAL BOOK OFFER TO ALL BCSS BRANCHES

Bromley Branch is pleased to announce that John Pilbeam’s son, Mike Pilbeam, has very generously made available a selection of John’s books free of charge to any BCSS Branch who would like to raffle them, perhaps at a Branch event or meeting. The Branch will only need to pay for post and packaging.

Here are the offer details:

Up to 4 books per Branch, authored by John Pilbeam, to be used as Raffle prizes only (not for resale).

The books themselves will be free of charge, the only cost to the Branch is post and packaging (see below).

In return Mike Pilbeam requests that you please share the attached BCSS Member special price list when you raffle the books.

Based on the response received, Mike plans to repeat these offers periodically.

J is for…

Text by Gareth Darbon
Photos as indicated

I hope you all enjoyed the jaunt back to the letter A in last month’s ‘I is for…’ article and I’m sure you’re thinking I’ll do the same for the awkward letter J. Well, think again. I’m sticking to J and as there is only one cactus genus that starts with the letter J, there isn't much choice. It has to be Jasminocereus. However, for the succulent, there are a few genera beginning with the letter J, so in this episode, rather than give the spotlight to one particular genus I will cover all the succulent genera possible.

Starting with the J cactus species, Jasminocereus thouarsii (Fig. 1) is a monotypic (only one species in the genus) tree-form cereus heralding from the Galapagos Islands, where it is endemic. It is a species that is rarely seen (and rarely, if ever, flowered) in cultivation. There are three (probably natural) varieties of J. thouarsii on the Galapagos Islands and their distribution can be seen in Fig. 2.

Related to Armatocereus, this cereus is an arboreal type of plant and can often be found dominating the shrubby habitat in which it lives (Fig. 3).

Hailing from the Galapagos Islands means that these plants will need a little more heat in the winter than some other cereus species, so if you do ever have the opportunity to cultivate them do not make the mistake of leaving them in an unheated greenhouse.

Like all cereus species, these will grow faster in free root run, ie planted out in beds rather than potted but, as can be seen in the habitat picture, they can grow in spurts and sections, so don’t throw your specimen away or think it is your poor cultivation that has caused this. If you have the opportunity to buy seed of this species maybe you could be the first to flower it in the UK.

Let’s now look at the six genera that form the succulent side of ‘J is for…’ These comprise, Jacobsenia, Juttadinteria, Jordaaniella, Jensenobotrya, Jovibarba and Jatropha. The first four of these genera are mesembryanthemums and, more specifically, genera within the Aizoaceae. They are more commonly known as fig marigolds or ice plants. The characteristics of each of these genera will then be quite similar and only body morphology will differentiate them. The situation is simplified by the fact that Jensenobotrya is a monotypic genus (Fig. 4). To me, the segments of the leaves look very similar to Ceraria pygmaea.

As suggested by the common name of fig marigold, all flowers of the four genera are similar, daisy-like and usually white. All four are shrubby types of mesembryanthemum and will sprawl and become woody with age as can be seen particularly in Jacobsenia species (Fig. 5).

The shrubbiest of the four species is Jordaaniella, as seen in Fig. 6. This low-lying bush-like mesemb will produce daisy-like flowers similar to Lampranthus.

The most attractive of the mesembryanthemum genera that we are looking at is Juttadinteria. This is the most upright of the four species and probably the choicest of them too. As can be seen in Fig. 7, J. albata, the leaves are bigger and firmer, most similar to Schwantesia, but without any teeth.

All of the species, although mesembs, do not require a special watering regime like lithops or conophytums, and can be treated like any other succulents. However, some care with watering so as not to split leaves of Juttadinteria, in particular, is required. The usual mix of compost will suffice to grow all these genera.

The other two genera are significantly different from the first four and from each other. The two need significantly different conditions.

The next species needs almost no looking after, commonly described by the common names of House Leeks or Hens and Chicks. They are believed to ward off evil spirits which is why they can be seen on roofs of old bothys (stone houses). Jovibarba, as pictured in Fig. 8, is very closely related to sempervivum. These plants grow best in Alpine beds in the UK and as long as they are in free-draining compost are hardy down to -15°C or even -20°C. They can survive layers of snow. The heads are monocarpic and so will die if they flower, but usually proliferate producing plenty of ‘chicks’ to continue the plant. The flowers are towers of yellow and are quite spectacular. These are definitely worthy of space in old kitchen sinks or alpine beds as they require no maintenance or heat in the winter.

They can be propagated easily from the chicks being pulled off and replanted in gritty soil, but be careful not to give them all away in case the main plant flowers.

The last genus, Jatropha, couldn’t be more different and requires additional heat in the winter. The common species, Jatropha podagrica is often kept as a house plant in tropical areas (see Fig. 9). They are related to euphorbias and produce latex too, so if handling ensure hands are washed as this is a severe irritant. Unlike euphorbias, the flowers are a little more to behold. They are stem succulents and produce swollen stems. These stems have been put to many uses such as the production of biodiesel and medicines.

This genus grows best in hot humid climates. All species will need additional heat in the winter and a very free-draining compost to avoid rotting. Since Brexit, the availability of these plants from Dutch nurseries has diminished. If you are lucky enough to see one, snap it up and give it a try. They may well produce seed for you even with only one plant as they are often self-fertile.

I Recently Joined the BCSS

Text and photos by Lee Raybould

Hi there, I’m Lee from sunny Worcestershire. I recently joined the BCSS and contacted Brian Ayres to let him know that I’ve written an article about the experience over on my website the ‘Secret Lives of Cacti’. When Brian suggested that I write a short piece for this month's newsletter to introduce myself and my site, I was struck with mixed emotions… The first was pure excitement. “Wow,” I thought, “what an opportunity to write for the British Cactus and Succulent Society!” This was followed by shock, nerves, and a small case of imposter syndrome.

Who would be interested in what I have to say? Then I took a second to think about why I created my site in the first place and the answer is twofold.
1. To share my experiences (good and bad) of growing these fascinating plants in less-than-ideal conditions mainly on my windowsills, conservatory and outside when our unpredictable weather allows!
2. To show how wonderful the world of cacti and succulents is and hopefully get more people interested in the hobby.

When did my love of cacti begin? A family member, knowing that my wife and I aren’t great with plants, bought us a succulent as they are supposedly easy to look after. It was a variety of echeveria if my memory serves me correctly, but I forget which. Unfortunately, we managed to kill it by overwatering!

We visited our local garden centre to replace it and the stand next to the succulents was jam-packed full of beautiful cacti in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colours. I fell in love! We picked up a small selection along with some potting compost, a few pots, and an RHS guide to cacti and succulents and the rest, as they say, is history.

What is my favourite cactus? It’s hard to choose, but I’d have to say my Opuntia microdasys, aka Bunny Ears. No really, I have to choose it. You see, my 10-year-old son picked it, repotted it, and he even still waters it on the rare occasion that he emerges from his bedroom!

More than that, although it’s very common, I love how given enough light and a good watering when the soil completely dries up, I tend to notice new growth on a weekly basis. This is rare in my experience as most of my collection are relatively slow growers.

This makes them a fantastic plant to start with if you're new to cacti. They’re relatively easy to look after and you get regular feedback that they’re happy and healthy in the form of new pads.

I remember when I first started my collection, I killed more plants than I care to admit. I’ve come a long way since then but I remember oh too well, how many questions I had and I don’t mind admitting feeling a little overwhelmed at times.

If you’re new to cacti and succulents then I’d love my website (along with eNews and the fantastic BCSS Facebook group) to be like a second home where you can find all the information you need about planting, watering, light and propagation written in a down to earth, step-by-step format so you can follow along or connect with me directly.

Goodbye for now. I’m going to sign off before I start rambling and Brian refuses to have me back again. It’s been a pleasure introducing myself. Happy growing!

Editor's note. Thanks, Lee. It's great to hear how you started in this addictive hobby. We look forward to hearing from you again. And congratulations on your website. If other newcomers to the hobby would like to throw in their two penn'orths for eNews, they are very welcome. Just drop a line to editor@enews.bcss.org.uk

My farmer friend who grows melon, lettuce and cauliflower all around the finca kindly sent in a squad of his workers a few weeks ago to cut down and remove several dead trees and generally tidy up the larger plants. Some of the Aloes were suffering from mite damage, causing leaf and flower distortion and therefore had to be culled. The difference to the gardens after they had finished was amazing. They did a lot of heavy cutting and lifting which, of course, I’m unable to do being in my mid-70s and full of arthritis, so I am eternally grateful to Paco for his help which I hadn’t asked for, but he offered, so how could I refuse?

Figs. 2 and 3 are of plants growing on each side of the driveway. When we bought the finca the widest side was full of lemon and orange trees so we had them all removed and had a few tons of topsoil brought in. I planned to have it full of wonderfully colourful tropical shrubs! That dream was soon shattered when we realised how much water these beauties consume! So out they came and drought-tolerant species became the order of the day. Many of the plants were grown from seed by Robin and had irrigation water for a couple of years until they were big enough to go in the ground. Apart from the olives, all the planted ground has a layer of weed-suppressant fabric and a covering of gravel.

I have about 30 or more aloes and other species waiting patiently to go in the ground so I am going to go ahead and get them in, rain or shine. The ground is like concrete so I shall run some irrigation water for a few hours on the planting areas which will soften the ground. We’ve had no winter to speak of with temperatures being in the 20s most days and occasionally in the 30s. Totally abnormal weather. I have trays of water dotted around for the birds which have been nesting for a few weeks. Many species make their nests low to the ground which I can’t understand. I found a newly built Sardinian Warbler nest in an aloe and it must have been 30 inches from the ground. Ideal dog nose height plus also easy for the snakes and rats to find. I have a collection of epiphyllums which are now flowering and filling my life with joy. 

Fig. 4 One of life’s joys: Hylocereus stenopterus х undatus

Last year we endured the highest temperatures since records began: 40 degrees Celsius on many days.  The forecast for this year is that it will be even hotter!  Unless I have completely melted away, I will keep you posted.

Larryleachia - an appreciation

Text by John Pilbeam†
Photos as indicated

The Larryleachia genus is among the least grown in cultivation, partly due to its mode of growth, making propagation other than from seed difficult to impossible. Larryleachia species come from South Africa and Namibia.

The genus Larryleachia was only erected in 1997, and some of you may know these plants by their old name of Trichocaulon. The growth of Larryleachia species is of chunky stems with numerous tubercles, offsetting and producing contrastingly quite small flowers bunched close together towards the top. The flowers are five-lobed, with a white to cream-coloured background with red or brown spotting.  

Fig. 1 L. cactiformis (Photo: Darrel Plowes)                                         

Fig. 2  L. felina (Photo: Uhlig Tränkle)

Fig. 6  L. tirasmontana (Photo: Uhlig Tränkle)

Although some species are reportedly hardy down to freezing if dry, it is recommended to overwinter them at around 10°C. Precaution against infestation with mealy bugs is essential, especially as they often attack at soil level or just below around the base of the stems, where they are not readily noticeable. If discovered, removal from the pot, disposal of all the soil, and thorough washing of the plant is advisable, then repotting in fresh soil after drying off completely. 

Survey Ramblings 

by the Editor

Imagine this: you are a 40-something parent with 1.5 kids, living in suburbia, and working Monday to Friday in town. After work, you travel home, feed the kids, help with homework, take the dog for a walk, do the household chores, respond to emails… and be in bed by 10.30pm so that you’re refreshed and ready for the next day’s onslaught. So, how are you going to attend that 8−10pm ‘cactus club’ meeting? In a nutshell – you aren’t!

Based upon comments received from respondents to our March survey (Are BCSS Branches in Danger of Extinction?) the above case could be typical of younger (say 30 to 40-year-old) eNews readers. At this point in the proceedings, we can understand why two-thirds of attendees at Branch meetings are aged between 60 and 85 years. But, as I noted last month, Branches are not in danger of extinction but attendance is dropping. And we must thank the 'oldies' among us for keeping the Branches going. Many Branches have embraced social media (Facebook and WhatsApp groups, Zoom talks, etc) and this helps with the cohesion of their members. But the joy of meeting other enthusiasts over a cup of tea or buying and swapping plants is not adequately supported by social media. 

One respondent to the survey noted that his Branch members make every effort to get together – even to the extent of holding coffee mornings. Another noted that “the Branch meeting on a Friday evening is not where I want to be after a hectic week at work.” And another felt that “I am usually too tired to go to the meetings. I would prefer them to be on a weekend during the day.” Many Branches already meet on Saturdays and readers appear to be very happy with that arrangement. Is there a message in there somewhere? Your thoughts on a postcard to editor@enews.bcss.org.uk

Editor’s note: Many salient issues were raised by respondents during the survey. They will be covered in eNews in the next few months.

Nestlé Cards

Text and photos by Les Pearcy

Continuing the theme from last month, here is another set of cards given away with products, this time with chocolates from Nestlé in the early 1930s. The text on the rear is in French. There were many sets released in this period featuring many subjects, however, this is the only one that I have come across dealing with succulent plants. 

They were printed on very thin card and featured twelve cacti:

Carnegiea gigantea, Lemaireocereus thurberi, Pachycereus pringlei, Ferocactus wislizeni, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Opuntia ficus-indica, Mammillaria species, Mammillaria longimamma? (flower colour wrong?), two epiphyllum hybrids, Selenicereus grandiflorus & a Mammillaria species.

Root Mealy Bugs

Root mealy bugs continue to plague our plants. Way back in September 1939, a certain A. Cuming published the article below in The Cactus Journal.

The para-dichlorobenzene mentioned in the article is the commonly (still!) available ingredient in mothballs. The author claims considerable success in ridding his 350 plants of this pest.

On the other hand, many experts¹ recommend divesting the plant of its compost, thoroughly cleaning and repotting it, etc. Frequently, the root mealies return (or did they ever leave?)

Have you had experience of using moth balls against root mealy bugs? Or do you have a better solution? Either way, your editor would be pleased to hear from you at editor@enews.bcss.org.uk
¹ See the final paragraph of the article by John Pilbeam in this issue of eNews