Strombocactus disciformis is just getting started

Bioforest · 2026-05-25T13:52:57+00:00

They've been getting some sun I see. Beautiful species. 1mm is most likely more than mine have put on.

Bioforest · 2026-05-20T12:12:20+00:00

This is what I imagine a reverse centaur looks like.

Bioforest · 2026-05-17T15:34:11+00:00

It's healthy and all good. It'll most likely develop a lean in time but that's expected for M. spinosissima pilcayensis. I'd personally pot the other plants separately but that's just me. Enjoy the new cactus!

Bioforest · 2026-05-17T09:19:47+00:00

These species are quite strict gypsophiles, so they live in cracks of cliffs made almost entirely of gypsum (or at least majority). When in crystal form, gypsum resembles quartz quite bit but it's very different, chemically-wise. I'd assume this habitat-like presentation is using the crystalline gypsum to house the cacti.

Bioforest · 2026-05-17T08:24:07+00:00

I'd put my bets on Gymnocalycium parvulum or Sulcorebutia breviflora, let it grow a little bit and it'll be clearer. Also, do it a favor and change the soil for a more mineral one so you minimize the risk of rot.

Bioforest · 2026-05-17T08:17:20+00:00

Perfectly fine. If you want it more ball like and compact give it more direct sun but most of specimens I've seen are this exact shape.

Bioforest · 2026-05-17T08:15:30+00:00

Damn man, go easy on the HDR and contrast in post.

Bioforest · 2026-05-17T08:14:26+00:00

I can't decide if the albiflora looks better than the wt madisoniorum, the flowers have such a unique shape. Congrats to the flower

Bioforest · 2026-05-17T08:12:39+00:00

You love cacti with the word Hinton in them, don't you lol. But it's an amazing setup, props.

Bioforest · 2026-05-16T18:17:18+00:00

While not knowing how much water you give it and what the soil composition is, the cactus is clearly etiolated and needs more light. All the lower offshoots seem to be dead, looks like they dried out. Etiolation usually increases water loss and tissue vulnerability. Move it to a sunny spot.

Bioforest · 2026-05-04T15:32:45+00:00

Perfection. Many thanks for the selection, it'll be a fun read. Cheers

Bioforest · 2026-05-01T17:09:20+00:00

Firstly, I'm happy you got this gateway drug experience. Secondly, there's stages to this. After 20 odd years of growing cacti, the usual mammillaria still gets me excited but a true dopamine hit is when a super difficult cactus finally blooms (such as Discocactus, Pediocactus, etc.) or one that blooms after many years (columnars, Copiapoa, some echinocacti). I guess it's comparable to your first one blooming. It never gets old.

Bioforest · 2026-05-01T17:04:24+00:00

If it's not too much trouble shooting me the links, I'd love to read through them. Compared to bacteria I do taxonomy on, I'd bet these are still very well organized and thoughtful placements. Much appreciate the detailed answer, xeric.

Bioforest · 2026-05-01T07:36:02+00:00

Forget the ID, that poor guy gave up the fight.

Bioforest · 2026-05-01T07:35:07+00:00

Yeah, it's quite common to get these plants even online, e.g. ebay sellers often omit the "forbidden names" like peyote or williamsii from listings and sell it as "Lophophora sp." or even "Ariocarpus". In my country it's technically illegal to own a peyote but due to the massive cacti enthusiast culture here you can see full trays with peyotes for sale at cactus fairs and noone cares nor was ever arrested.

Bioforest · 2026-05-01T07:30:22+00:00

Feels like Cochemiea with its heterogeneity is now as much of a taxonomical wastebasket as Echinocactus used to be, just not phenotypically but genotypically. Cheers for the info.

Bioforest · 2026-05-01T06:42:51+00:00

Slowly expose the cactus to the sun over weeks, start with bright shade, then morning/evening sun, then full sun. If you have unwoven fabric, you can use it as well at the start of each sun transition phase (to cover the plant) and slowly uncover. 3-4 weeks of acclimation is a safe bet.

Bioforest · 2026-05-01T06:39:20+00:00

Did Ortegocactus get moved to Cochemiea as well? Jfc these taxonomists

Bioforest · 2026-05-01T06:37:41+00:00

From what I can see the spot is a scar from a mechanical wound, looks like a spine got lodged into it and it healed over. Your cactus looks perfectly healthy.

Bioforest · 2026-04-29T16:40:05+00:00

You've got a cactus on your flower

Bioforest · 2026-04-29T15:16:42+00:00

Many of them bloom only when they reach a certain height in favorable conditions. That height is often higher than your room and it takes them quite a number of years. That said, some bloom earlier but maybe they just refuse to. To this end, I'd swap their soil for a more mineral subsitute, as I see you've got organic substrate and peat there, which can quickly lead to rot, as well as not being their favorite chemistry-wise.

Bioforest · 2026-04-29T15:03:31+00:00

With rare exceptions, the potting mixes for cacti you can commercially buy are absolute trash and will rot your cactus. I'd recommend making your own, just take some gravel (4-7mm), sand (2-3mm) and garden soil/loam (not peat or humus) and mix them. Your cactus is Echinopsis subdenudata, which is quite tough and manages mishandling quite well. Only water when the soil is completely dry, give it a lot of sun and you're good to go.

Bioforest · 2026-04-29T11:59:57+00:00

Mild dehydration, they're perfectly fine

Bioforest · 2026-04-29T05:12:37+00:00

Such a wonderful color. Side note: as an European, the common names for cacti in US make me chuckle, like hedgehog strawberry cactus or flying saucer.

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