Flower Show 2009: cactus and Succulents

Confession: The only reason I went to the flower show was to have a look at their cactii.
Here are the pics:

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How to graft a cactus

Grafting a cactus is quite simple. I don't know the name of the cactus but i've grafted a zygocactus(christmas cactus) to it. There are two main type of grfting for cactii:
First one is on the top: Cut the top of the cactus(with a sterile knife), make a small cut in the cactus' flesh and insert the christmas cactus in it. Wait some days for the cactus to callus.

The second method can be used if you don't want to chop the head off your beloved cactus. You need to take your sterile knife and cut a sideway 'V' in the cactus. tHe cut would look like a '>' in the cactus. Next step is to take your zygocactus and gently slide it in the '>'. Wait some days for the cactus to callus.

In a couple of months you should get lots of christmas cactus flowers.
Or is it an April's Fool post? :-)

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I cut the Pussy ears.

The three leaves used to attempt propagation

I did it. I don't like to mess with small plants but since I got it, I was eager to propagate my Pussy Ear(or Panda) plant. I took away three leaf cuttings from the lower leaves of the plant, leaving only some little leaves on the top. I hope the plant won't be affected too much by this operation. Oh, by the way, the "hairy" leaves are so good to touch. I really appreciated touching it, maybe that's how the plant got its name of Pussy Ear.

My plant now looks like this

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Panda plant ID

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Panda Plant

Panda plant, also known as pussy ears, is a succulent having botanical name Kalanchoe tomentosa. It is from the family of Crassulacae and it is originated from Madagascar.

I got mine a couple of months ago and it has grown some new leaves since then. The guy from whom I got it has his Panda plants in direct sunlight. I have been told that the Panda plant grows to about 40cm in height but I've still to check it. I've placed mine where it got direct indirect light, and the Panda plant is doing great. Today, i moved it to my balcony where it will get direct sunlight, i'll monitor it to see how better it will grow.

Caring is quite easy. The Kalanchoe tomentosa does not need any special care, the most important aspect is avoid overwatering(The Panda plant needs little water) and allow the soil to completely dry out between watering. I water all my plants with water coming from my aquaria, so fertilisation isn't a problem for me.

I guess propagation should be easy. Leaf or stem cuttings will yield a new plant. I haven't tried propagating mine yet. Anyone got this plant???

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