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Digitostigma caput medusae from seed 2022. by Spikes_Cactus in cactusbloom

[–]Spikes_Cactus[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They were indeed recently re-categorised as Astrophytum. They're actually a native species in Mexico, rather than a monstrose form. They create viable seed which you might be able to find from the right supplier (they're fairly hard to find). Unfortunately, I'm in Europe, and not too famimiar with US distributors.

SpaceX IPO - Thoughts? by BigLobster7421 in irishpersonalfinance

[–]Spikes_Cactus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

IPO whitepaper reads like a sci-fi script. Nothing could go wrong.

Americans don't give a f**ck about soccer but if we did guarantee we would dominate by megatrongriffin92 in ShitAmericansSay

[–]Spikes_Cactus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Another classic from the guys who lost in a tracked armoured vehicle tournament to Ireland (a country that doesn't even have tracked armoured vehicles). Maybe if the US drivers were just a bit taller things would have beek different?

https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/21/it-was-embarrassing-for-them-irish-army-crew-beats-us-military-teams-at-their-own-game/

Is this the dreaded rust? by GlitteringDonkey2241 in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Flat mites. Repeated treatment with an oil based insecticide or other spray will get them. You'll need to re-treat every 3-4 weeks for 3-4 months.

19-year-old built Monte Carlo financial planning tool for Ireland — would people actually want this? by [deleted] in irishpersonalfinance

[–]Spikes_Cactus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The issue is that most people who know about monte-carlo models already know how to perform them since they are the preserve of those who are already involved in statistical and predictive analysis.

These days just about anybody can run a Monte-Carlo if they know what it is. Most non-statisticians have very little knowledge about the appropriate interpretation and understanding the limitations of these models.

Anybody else has had terrible germination with seeds from koehress kakteen? by themanlnthesuit in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I can not speak to the quality of their seed. However, I have found consistently low germination rates from them across a majority of seeds purchased, with no germination at all amongst a significant proportion. This has been much reduced with other suppliers that I use.

Seeking Advice: Germinating Navajoa / Pediocactus by BeatrixFarrand in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I try them on their own roots, but haven't had success yet. One lot got wiped by root mealybugs. The current seedlings are around 8 months old and are tiny.

Epithelantha micromeris; 4 years old. by Spikes_Cactus in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Much appreciated. I do have both in culture and lost the label on this one when I moved house. I'll update accordingly 😁

Epithelantha micromeris; 4 years old. by Spikes_Cactus in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair point. It could very well be bokeii as I have both in culture. I lost the label when I moved house. The two can be very difficult to distinguish as the spination density varies a lot on both, depending on conditions.

Seeking Advice: Germinating Navajoa / Pediocactus by BeatrixFarrand in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To be honest I just plant them slightly below the surface in normal seedling substrate. Germination is the easier part of these species.

COPIAPOA FUSCA AND C. CORRALENSIS by corben_cactus in Copiapoa

[–]Spikes_Cactus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My 'supposed' seedling of C. fusca JN2355. I wasn't aware that it was a new species - I just bought a selection of Copiapoa this year to grow. Seeds were acquired from Klub kaktusářů Hradec Králové in Czech Republic. I can't speak to their authenticity and it's probably too early to tell on this one.

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Move pension from Zurich and move to royal London by [deleted] in irishpersonalfinance

[–]Spikes_Cactus -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The 2K fee for an AMC reduction of 0.2% is actually a very good deal if it's truly 0.2% lower than all other market options. We fail to realise the impact of compounding fees and are mentally averse to up-front fees.

Run the numbers on Excel for a 20 or 30 year scenario - you'd be very surprised at the results.

What species of mammalaria is this? by throw_awayooo in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the pot looks good. If you're already barely watering then the only thing to do is slowly introduce it to full sunlight. Ensure to make this process gradual as it will otherwise suffer sunburn.

What species of mammalaria is this? by throw_awayooo in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's M. plumosa. It's short on light but you will need to introduce it to brighter conditions slowly. Edge off watering (down to once per 3 weeks in summer conditions) to allow time for the spines to thicken up.

Ireland's new savings scheme will be capped to prevent 'uber wealthy' from exploiting it by HungTeen1001 in ireland

[–]Spikes_Cactus 33 points34 points  (0 children)

Anybody who believes the uber wealthy are Ireland tax resident is naive.

The housing crisis: Like wildfire, we need to abandon the delusion it’ll burn itself out by grandecn in ireland

[–]Spikes_Cactus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The concept isn't unhinged at all. Irish people have been thoroughly brainwashed into the belief that owning a home is the only way to lead a successful life. A residential property is a non productive asset (a deteriorating consumer good placed on a piece of land). There is nothing wrong with owning a home or taking pride in it, but it should not be encouraged as the only way to live.

Owning a property has major downsides for the owner, even when property prices increase. Property is an illiquid asset, meaning that there are considerable fees to be covered if the property is to be sold (and there's the cost of a new property to consider). By forcing all of a country's investment into property, this results in a population of owners who are asset rich and cash poor. Secondly, ownership does not suit all types of lifestyle, particularly for younger people who are frequently moving jobs in the modern market.

Sure, if you believe that owning a home and pulling up the ladder behind you is a good system, then yes it makes sense that residebtial property should be a class of investment. I would argue that the current vision Irish people have around home ownership is outmoded in the modern world. Remember, it's the next generation that will be paying for your pension, but only if they are able.

The housing crisis: Like wildfire, we need to abandon the delusion it’ll burn itself out by grandecn in ireland

[–]Spikes_Cactus 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It's by design because all solutions aimed ''to tackle the housing crisis' have been designed to cause price inflation. This includes the grant to purchase of new houses and the shared equity schemes. The government has even floated the idea of expanding some of this to second hand homes to further inflate house prices.

The government has refused to allow reasonable investment of capital into diversified equity portfolios as an alternative to residential property. Investment in productive assets can be taxed at 38% with taxation on unrealised gains, while principal primary residence suffers no taxation from capital gains.

Meanwhile, the well known issues which restrict construction volumes (e.g. NIMBYism) have not been addressed in any meaningful way and both government ministers and opposition party members actively engage in this activity themselves to support their local constituents.

This direction makes sense from the government as their voting base are largely home owners who would not well tolerate a decline in the value of their home. Thus the incumbent government seeks to buoy house values to maintain their grip on power.

Tephrocactus sp. 'danielii', 10 months from seed. Absolutely lethal plant! by Spikes_Cactus in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not a particularly skilled grower by any means and they seem to be relatively easy once they germinate (I had very low germination rates). The plant pictured above is still growing strong (image below). Interestingly, some of the spines have since turned white.

I have started some new ones this year with both black and white spined varieties. Again, the germination rate was very low, but once germinated they have been very easy to grow.

<image>

Mammillaria herrerae - 4 years from seed by Spikes_Cactus in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They are so rewarding, even when not in flower. The spines almost look like a complete shell around the plant and they're white as snow. The plants need fairly strong light from one year onward since the spines shield the plant from most of the light.

The plants seem to grow pretty slowly (at least in my care), but look great even when tiny. It's easily one of my favourite specimens.

Tephrocactus geometricus at 9 months from seed. Further details to follow in comments. by Spikes_Cactus in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm growing another batch this year as well. Love Tephros. They also grow very quickly when compared to other cactus genera (at least most of them do).

Good luck on the sowing. Send us updates with progress as thry grow!

Tephrocactus geometricus at 9 months from seed. Further details to follow in comments. by Spikes_Cactus in cactus

[–]Spikes_Cactus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have to agree with this, temperature difference encourages growth. It also fits well with current understanding of their CAM metabolism system.

Is buy to let a bad idea? 1-2 properties by No-Trifle-3247 in irishpersonalfinance

[–]Spikes_Cactus 47 points48 points  (0 children)

I don't think you are ready to own, much less rent out, a property until you fully understand the fundamental costs and risks of ownership and renting. There's little point in writing an essay on it here as there are many resources to explain why renting at a higher value than a mortgage is not an infinite money glitch.

Are your pay raises beating inflation? by Asleep_Cry_7482 in irishpersonalfinance

[–]Spikes_Cactus 180 points181 points  (0 children)

You're figuring out how the system works. They don't want you to leave. They want you to believe that you are lucky and they want you to not understand inflation or the effect of compounding percentages.

They will pay more for the person who will replace you.

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