Cactus Blog Archives

Cactus Blog Writers

Peter Lipson
Hap Hollibaugh

Local Delivery

Canary Islands Euphorbia Tree


Hi my name is jack.
I currently live in the canarys islands fuerteventura.
I have just took over a property to maintain there garden.
I am just looking for some advice how to prune the euphorbia candelabrum. The customer would like it reduced in height.
They are not particularly bothered about it flowing at this moment in time as it is round a pool area and would like it tidied up and reduced before guests arrive

Looking forward to your response
I have attached a photo.

Best wishes
Jack

Jack,

That is huge! Actually has pretty good form as is. Anyway, the trick with Euphorbias is that they have a poisonous sap so you have to wear a lot of protection, long sleeves gloves and eye protection. At that size it will probably take multiple people unless you have larger equipment available. We would use a crew of 4-5 people to safely cut that back.

You can cut any of the branches at the joints. That will reduce the overall mass. As for reducing the height, I don’t actually think that is possible. You could in theory remove all the branches and keep a tall stump which will start to grow back over time.

Peter

Read More...
Read More...

It’s a Bulb!


It’s the Oxalis namaquana, a rare little Wood Sorrel bulb with giant yellow flowers, as you can see. Usually most of the flowers are through the spring, but occasionally you get some through the winter. It’s a winter-growing bulb, so it can happen!

Read More...
Read More...

Can We Help with a Cactus ID?


Yes we can!

Dear Cactus Jungle,
I purchased a cactus from a garden centre in the UK. They were unable to tell me much about my purchase. I have been looking at your website and the cactus bears a striking similarity to opuntia monacantha variegata, which you sell

I just wondered whether you would be able to confirm whether this is the same type of plant. I have attached a picture of my cactus, for identification.

Best wishes,
Nicholas

You are correct!
Peter

Read More...
Read More...

Sedum or Senecio?


Hi there-

I found myself on your website when doing a Google search for the plant in the attached photo. I am a landscape designer in San Diego and a fellow designer suggested that it might be Sedum rupestre ‘Silver’; I’m not so sure because the plant height is more than 1′ high. Can any of you ID this plant for me, I sure would appreciate it.

Kind regards,
Kimberly
Past President, APLD San Diego District

Definitely not a Sedum. You can tell from the old flower stalk there it is a Senecio, probably Senecio haworthii.

Stay safe, Peter

 

Read More...
Read More...

Cactus Jungle’s Response to the Coronavirus


Cactus Jungle will try to stay open for as many hours as possible, with the cooperation of our staff and customers, as an Essential Service because we sell fertilizers, soils, tools, vegetable starts and amendments for food crop production.

Store Rules and Standards
Nobody is required to come in.

Customers: 6ft separation for us all.
Employees empowered to demand someone leave
If you have to cough or sneeze please leave immediately. Use Kleenex or the inside of your elbow always
Do not come up to Workers, do not attempt to shake their hand.
Credit card only, no cash. Cash Handling means 7 people min. will handle the bills so No Cash.
Carry out to gate only, no bringing to or in cars.
1-person non-contact deliveries through our online store or in person to our delivery zones available w/$25 min. sale.
Gel Hand Sanitizer bottles on counter for customers

Additional for Staff: follow current Posted Social Distance Protocol, wash hands always
Tape out 6ft lines at register
Use Gloves, spray with alcohol each time you touch a pot or container from a customer
One register open only
No Signatures. Pen is pulled to register only and Staff draws a line with pen and clicks the button, then sprays the pen.
Spray every basket down after every use with Bleach Solution.
Wipe down every computer and device before using every time.
Wall-mtd Hand Sanitizer is behind counters for staff, plus many spray bottles at register, office, break room, BOH
Feeling unsure or nervous or not liking this anymore? You may go home, no consequences.

Sick Time Policy During the Crisis
Working Staff now has unlimited sick time, do not come in if sick, go home if sick

Stay safe, from Hap and Peter and the entire Cactus Jungle team.

Read More...
Read More...

New Shop online for Local Delivery!


Cactus Jungle is now offering local delivery of select goods and plants to our local areas. We are offering only non-contact deliveries at this time. All deliveries will be on Mondays and Tuesdays, dropped at the door, and we will call/text to let you know. Our employees are following the strictest and latest requirements from Cal-OSHA to prevent the spread of the Covid-19

To start we are offering Delivery only within the city limits of Berkeley, Albany and Emeryville; San Anselmo, San Rafael and Ross; Oakland; San Francisco. Please bear with us as we establish this new delivery service.

Please note that as circumstances change, our delivery options may change as well. We will be adding and removing products frequently so please check back.

Read More...
Read More...

Cactus Jungle Closure


Cactus Jungle’s Berkeley and Marin stores are currently closed for our Counties’ Shelter-in-Place orders, currently scheduled to last through April 7th.

We will return as soon as we are able.

If you would like to support us at this time may I suggest a digital gift card from our online shop? These will be good for both of our stores as soon as we are able to reopen.

Thank you for your kindness and support

Stay safe, Peter and Hap

Read More...
Read More...

Grass-leaf Hakea


Crazy Australian flowers. So pink!

Hakea francisiana

Australia

Evergreen Shrub

Upright shrub with slender green leaves and pink-red blooms winter through spring. Needs very good drainage. Do not fertilize, except trace minerals.

Temperature: Hardy to 18F

Sun: Full Sun

Water: Low

Size: 8-15ft.

Read More...
Read More...

Rose Mink


It’s Protea blooming season, so that’s a very good time of year. Right now! Blooming!

Protea “Rose Mink”

Common Name: Greyleaf Sugarbush
Origin: South Africa

P. laurifolia “Rose Mink”
Evergreen Shrub

Large pink flowers appear in mid-winter, with fine black and white hairs. grey-green leaves. Do not fertilize.

Temperature: Hardy to 25°F

Sun: Full Sun

Read More...
Read More...

Cape Aloe


Aloe ferox starting to bloom!

Origin: South Africa

Description: Single large toothy rosette on tall stalk, outdoor up to 8ft.

Temperature: Hardy to 20-25F

Full Sun to Part Sun

Read More...
Read More...

In the Greenhouse


Cactus Jungle Berkeley and the greenhouse is nice and cozy! The sun is playing hide and seek today, but we have #dracaena and #bromeliads and #gemstones and #airplants and #houseplants and #rareplants all hanging out in the cozy greenhouse.

Read More...
Read More...

Golden Barrel Cactus


That is one supreme Echinocactus grusonii clump. It’s one plant! Practically a whole planet’s worth, I think. 🌏 🌐 🌍

Echinocactus grusonii

Come see our planet shaking Cactus at our Marin store now!

Read More...
Read More...

Aloe


It’s not a starfish, not at all. It’s an aloe! Aloe castilloniae (can someone check my spelling, please?)

Read More...
Read More...
    
    
  Cactus and Succulents
  Bamboo
  Perennials
  Carnivorous Plants
  Airplants

  Sign up for our Monthly Newsletter

November 2023
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930  

US Constitution

Videos



We Get Questions

Email your questions to:

blog [at] cactusjungle [dot] com