Cacti - Watering

Hi Stan,

I really enjoy your show, your information and advice is so helpful. This will our third winter, living on our small acreage, 6 miles north of Bon Accord, and love it. I have lots of questions, but will narrow it down to one or two. Question #1- What should I do next with my first year rhubarb? I have not harvested them. Should I cut off the leaves and/or stalks? Question #2- How should I water my cacti? I have several in a pot surrounded by tiny stones stuck together. When I water, it runs off the stones, however, I have managed to water around the plants, but now they seem to be pulling away from the stones. Is this okay, I have had them about six months. (they are in front of a sunny south window) Thanks a billion.

Take care

Pat

Pat - Thanks for your good comments. You may be interested in checking out our Gro Like a Pro rhubarb section - August 2000. Rhubarb needs copious amounts of water in the late fall, then mulched with dry grass or peat moss, In the early spring, rake away the mulch and add 3 inches of old manure, either local or packaged. # 9 cont'd PG 51-4 Re: your cacti - the best growing conditions are ones that duplicate the same area the varieties come from. There are three major deserts in the world, and many varieties representative of each one. It is unwise to combine differing plants from the varied regions.

Clay and crushed rock is the usual base and watering depends on whether the plant is a cacti or succulent. I'm sure there are many good books on this topic. Unless I know the botanic names of your plants, I can give only general info.