I have 2 D. elephantipes. xerophyte and beachplant both recommend against burying the caudex. This is interesting, because I was given contrary advice. I was told (on this forum I believe) that you should bury the caudex to help it increase girth quicker. This advice was given about 1 year ago, and I just tried to do a search for the old post, but can't find it. (possibly related to the GW forum problems) So, a year ago, after being given that advice, seeing as how I was going to repot both of mine anyway (into much larger/deeper pots to simulate in-ground growth), I went ahead and buried 1 of them about 3/4 of the way. Here is a related thread on that, with pics and burying!: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cacti/msg051031533555.html That dio is finally going dormant now. Judging by the posting date, it was in leaf for 11 months! I'm debating on whether to dig it up and check the size. Or maybe just a partial dig to uncover the caudex then rebury... anyhoo, I'm still curious about burying or not. would love to hear more input on this subject. Sorry if I'm hijacking this thread... On a related note, about 2 weeks ago, my D. sylvatica decided it was time to come out of dormancy... :) -curiouscomputer

Mike: What kind of snake is the first one? Really pretty. And jeez! That is a *huge* litter of boas!!! Very. very cool, thanks for sharing. Have you thought of doing a xeric terrarium for some of your desert species (I'm guessing you've got at least a room full of herps)? You could incorporate some really interesting plants and features if you can give it enough light. Caudex: I used to think that L's were just a waste of money (or at least an overpriced gimmick), and that lesser lens could be compensated for with the skill of the photographer. I've finally come to realize that it really takes *both* things to produce superb photos: a talented photographer and a nice kit. I would however highly recommend renting any lens before you buy it. I've been wanting to replace my EF-S 60mm macro for a long time now, so I paid $30 and rented the EF 180mm L macro for a weekend. It was an incredible lens, but incredibly hard to use. At that length, with the aperture wide open, the depth of field is less than the thickness of a piece of paper! Anyway, it was a fun weekend, but ultimately, I don't think I'd get much use from that lens, since to get anything to turn out, you have to have great light and a tripod, which sucks in the "field". So, I'm still searching for a new macro lens... Cool pets! How big are they? Do you keep them in cages, or do they have some sort of pen? Tom: That is a really nice photo of your bearded dragon! Great color (had it recently shed?) Kind of funny how it seems fat plants and "alternative" pets seem to be convergent hobbies! Josh: This thread really has spiraled out of control into something much more interesting. One of the reasons I enjoy online forums so much is the exposure you get from these tangential threads... Hey Darryl, got any pictures of Tortellini?

The leaves look healthy because the caudex stores a lot of water and the plant is living off of it. Eventually, if it doesn't reroot, it will die. Your soil is too heavy. Go for a soil-free mix of pumice and granite grit. If you don't have either, get perlite but absolutely use only the large particles. This plant can be watered regularly in summer but not in that kind of potting mix, even if the bag said it is for cacti and succulents. Even if the water drains through it, too much will still stay in the material and stay there too long. Pagan

I've watered my seedlings every time I felt the soil got dry enough that the pot felt light and they were in well draining but a good amount of organic mix. They've been fine since they were actively growing, I'm more worried about the "transition period" where at some point they prefer less water (?)...I have 2 older (but still quite young) plants that are in straight gritty mix and they also seem fine so I dunno. The seedlings like or tolerate watering well. I am considering adding some organic to the older plants and many of my other plants but just not sure. I already have to some, considering others. I kept the older ones going last winter under grow lights and the seedlings were just getting started. Does anyone know if it's better to let them go dormant? Our winters are for sure too cold to leave little plants out there but I could leave them out of the grow light's reach if they would prefer it. Tyler, I also have to say that I take back my wishy-washy attitude on trellising and stand firmly on the pro side of trellising - I turned my back for a minute and my vines got unruly, tangled themselves and latched on to other plants. I had a roll of wire that was just a nice enough gauge to bend into a U shape and stick right in the pots, making a beautiful, sturdy little arched trellis for my D's. Kara, from what I understand the caudex doesn't really like / benifit from the sun at all, only the vine. So I would say it is not necessary to keep it in sun unless possibly that is for warmth? Someone correct me if I'm wrong. TanP - nice Mexicana! And on the eliphantipes am I reading your post right that you have 8 month old seedlings that are the size of a half dollar?? Please, please elaborate if I read that correctly! hoovb - that D at the Huntington is absolutely jaw dropping, WOW.