Announcing Psychotria viridis, Diplopterys paucaflora, Mimosa pudica and more

I'm pleased to say that I have been hard at work expanding my line of high quality plants.  New items for this week include: Psychotria viridis plants in 4 inch pots, the VERY RARE Diplopterys pauciflora also in 4 inch pots, Mimosa pudica seeds (packet of 30), Kava ('Awa) , Piper methysticum (Kava, 'Awa) live plants in 1 gallon pots, and many others.

Look for more exciting developments to come shortly.

                                                                 Psychotria viridis.

Diplopterys paucaflora

                                                                  Mimosa pudica

Kava, 'Awa, Piper methysticum

Questions about growing Trichocereus Cuttings.

I get asked a lot of questions about growing cacti and strange plants.  So I thought I'd start copying the q&a here and save myself some typing in the future.

Todays questions are about growing Trichocereus cuttings.

1. Can I chop the cutting in 2 and start rooting both, will it grow? Or will it grow best in one piece.
You can divide the cutting, but the bigger the piece the better the chance of success.  If you do decide to cut it, you'll want to allow the cuts to dry.  I usually wipe the cut with isopropyl alcohol to encourage this to happen faster.  I also would place the freshly cut ends in front of a fan.  You want to dry it pretty fast or it could start to form mold or bacterial infections.  Sulfer dust can help if you pick up a nasty.

If your new to growing these I'd just plant it as is.

2. Can I use powder root hormones when I plant it? If so does it need a certain type?

I wouldn't.  Rooting hormones are not designed for cacti and "soften" the below ground portion of the cacti.  If anything.. a light dusting with sulfer dust of the bottom before planting. 

3. How long will it take before i can chop it down and clone it? how tall does it have to grow? and where is the best place to make the cut?

I would let it grow a full season before propogating from it.  Make the cut at least 6" off the ground, higher if you like.  I like to make the cut at a slight angle to encourage water to run off instead of pooling at the cut.  Wiping with alcohol is also suggested.

4. What's the best soil blend?

The best soils for this type of cacti are ones that drain fast.  Especially early after planting you need to watch the moisture.  It won't need any at first, and overwatering is probably the number 1 killer.  Once it starts to develop roots, a couple weeks to 2 months after planting, depending on temperature and light, it will require increasing amount of water, until winter when it will go dormant and should be brought inside.  

I like to add perilite to the soil.  It lightens it up and encourages root growth.   It will require very few nutrients, and Shultz makes an excellent liquid food you can use once it is established.

I also make my own soil blend available for sale.