wow! nice plants bikerdoc!

Thx. It took me most of the morning to post because the site was acting kinky. I'm really hoping there is some interest from others to place an order because I would like to do so and would love sharing the fixed costs.

Wanted to post earlier but as you said the site was being weird. These are so amazing. I'm considering joining in on a future one but I've recently become a bit careful after my recent bizarre experiences with a few Haworthia

Nicholas, please elaborate. Maybe we can build your confidence.

It was those Haworthia pumila that spontaneously rotted for no apparent reason. Both plants which hadn't been watered in about a week just went soft and rotted. Soil had about 20% moisture and the roots looked beautiful. Yet the stems rotted to mush nearly over night.

I wouldn't base your future abilities to grow Haworhia on this experience. The plants could have been doomed no matter what you did or didn't do. For you in Florida, you will have some challenges dealing with your humidity, but this is only a minor adjustment and you will learn to adapt. Having said this, you and anyone who wants to purchase from a group situation must understand a few basics:

1. The plants from STC may be on the small size even though the picture may show a larger plant. Having some expectation of receiving this pristine plant will only cause you disappointment.

2. All of the plants are washed and dried prior to packing. This procedure sometimes removes delicate roots. Some plants may have few, if any, roots. They WILL root with some TLC. Some may take several months to wake up and show some growth.

3. Using a VERY gritty mix devoid of organic material has worked the best for me. Prior to going to a very gritty mix, I lost a few plants to rot.

4. I am not trying to strike fear into the hearts of those wishing to undertake this adventure. I want you to be educated. It isn't any different than rooting a beheaded Echeveria or growing something from a cutting. If you are interested in this adventure, email me or PM me with a return email address as email works best.

I'm going to try a regular haworthia first. South central texas isn't quite as humid as florida But it is hot humid subtropical which are easiest to cultivate? I like the look of cuspidata and retusa

I've been having troubles with several haws lately, and it has made me a bit hesitant about getting more (that plus my completely overstuffed wintering space).

I grew some truncate and maughani from seed almost 10 years ago, and they did fairly well. I repotted them into a gritty mix a few years ago and they are still sulking. Also, last summer several of them lost their roots on me, which has never happened before. They are taking their time re-rooting. I did put some back in a 50/50 C&S soils and perlite mix and they have rooted well. May switch the others back soon.

I'm also fighting thrips on several. Can't find anything legal here in NS that seems to do the trick. ... so picking them off with a paintbrush when needed for now!

Breton, pyrethrins, neem oil and any product containing imidacloprid should take care of them. I have only had Thrips on my orchid flowers never on succulents. Interesting.

Thanks Bikerdoc! Unfortunately, I can't get neem or imidicloprid here (very strict regulations on pesticides here in NS). I have tried pyrethrins, and it knocked them back a bit, I really should just treat them more consistently. I just dislike spraying them in my living quarters.

And it seems not many people have thrip problems on succulents. Guess I am special! For me, they seem to attack tough-skinned Haworthias and certain jades. A Delosperma sutherlandii is also consistently home to a few.. I just pick them off everyday with an alcohol dipped paintbrush.

I've been seeing them of and off for a few years now. Hot dry conditions seem to result in population increases. Getting everything outdoors for summer soon will also help!

Thank you Howard :) let me know when the next order will be.

Nicholas, if there is any reasonable response, I want to place the order April 8th. The fixed cost is €100, so I'd like to get at least five or six people. We currently are at 25% discount.

Bikerdoc,

Love to look at your posts. I really like that 3rd. one down. H. limifolia 'Yolanda'. I wonder is it grows big like the regular limifolia.

I got room of maybe 4 more small pots then I am finished. I have gone overboard this past year. I got rid of many of my larger plants and still have little room. For every plant I give away, I purchased 5 more.

I am looking forward to seeing the rest of your collection.

Stush

Stan, I haven't a clue as to mature size. I have a feeling it is more miniature. For me, I hope it gets a bit larger because I like the leaf markings.

Howard - I'm definitely in on this! The 25% discount is quite nice.

Stush - My plan this year is also to get rid of my larger pots/larger plants and downsize them. Even though they will look nice, I don't really need large clumps of plants. I rather have many more interesting plants than fewer larger ones!

I've also slightly overpotted a small handful, so been spending the past few weeks fixing that. =)