Thimble Cactus is a clump-forming cactus; the clumps can exceed 12 inches in width. Stems can be up 1 inch thick and are easily disarticulated. Tubercles are in 5-8 spirals with 12-16 white radial spines, which are needle shaped and up to 5mm long. The central spine is brown at the tips pointed outward and stout. Flowers are yellow to pale yellow and about a ½ inch long.
This cactus is very showy and great for containers.
Tiny globular bodies are densely covered with interlaced white radial spines. Clusters prolifically to form large mats.
This beautiful succulent has powdery pinkish-lavender leaves that have a bright pink edging. It grows on a short stout stem that holds 12-16 inch wide rosettes. The deep orange-red flowers can emerge from below the lower leaves or sometimes as a terminal inflorescence. Its best to remove flower stalks as it detract from the foliage and a terminal flower stalk aborts further growth.
Plant in full sun to get the most vibrant color but does well in shade. Afterglow should be planted in well-drained soil.
Pleiospilos nelii resembles a small rock and typically grows in semi-arid areas; this stemless plant has two or four opposite grey-green to brownish leaves. The leaves have a deep fissure in the middle and small dark spots on the surface.
Flowers are yellow-orange and 2-3 inches across and emerge from the center of the leaves. Blooms occur in the afternoon and close at sunset. The flowering period is from early spring to August.
This plant great for containers.
Spilt Rock is an excellent choice for container gardens.
The Star Fish cactus flower, also known as carrion flowers, are cactus-like succulents with four-angled, coarsely toothed, spineless stems. Stapelia grandiflora is a low, perennial succulent; the stems, surface, and branching make them immediately recognizable. The stems are almost always erect and are usually uniformly green to reddish, depending on the extent of exposure to the sun. The stems branch near the base and form spreading clumps up to 2 ft tall; the stems are not much to look at, but the flowers are remarkable.
Carrion Flower
They are usually 3-10 inches across and usually flattened and shaped like five-pointed stars with a conspicuous round disk in the center. The fleshy petals are often fringed with tiny hairs. Flowers are colored with reds, yellows, browns, and purples, and many are spotted, barred, or mottled.
two series of corona lobes are present: an outer and inner corona
Carrion flowers are native to arid, usually rocky deserts in tropical and southern Africa, where they often grow in the partial shade of larger plants or rocks. Many of the species are confined to the Cape region of South Africa. Starfish Cactus usually are grown in containers and given a distinct cool, dry rest period in winter and require bright light, but most should not have full sun in the summer. Many species do well in partial shade. Flowers do well with light to moderate watering during the growing season, but must be kept dry during the winter. The soil must be extremely well drained, as the stems are prone to rotting if they stay moist. They are very tolerant of extreme heat, but must be protected from frost.
Propagate from cuttings taken in spring or summer. Allow pieces of stem to callus 7-10 days, and then plant in semi-dry soil.
