Thanks, puglvr! It's maybe not as bloomy as the parents, but once I get it repotted and pruned next spring we'll see how it does then. If it doesn't shape up, out it goes. juliana, maybe we would have to do it after you get back, or try to fit in a mailing before you go. I have to look at the weather before May 15, but sometimes it can work earlier than that. Just remind me about it in April and we'll go from there. I'm thinking of repotting all my cc's and giving them a prune job, so it wouldn't be hard to put a couple of the trimmings in an envelope. Anyway, earlier would fit better for me if the weather cooperates. Once it's nice out, I had better be done with the fussing with the house plants because the acre veg garden calls.

Dear Joe, Begging for plants is a practice that's right up my alley, if my effusive charm, devilish wit and Cary Grant-good looks have no effect. I wish I could help you, but, Captain, I haven't any Epiphyllyums (or Schlumbergeras, either) - if either of those are what orchid cacti are (my memory fails me). I take it you've not translated 'Amorphophallus' at the latest PTA meeting, then? Hey, enough kidding now. What you're doing is a fine thing, Joe, and I applaud you for it. You're enabling the future crop of gardeners, and an attaboy or three for you, sir. Jeff 'Cactus for Kids' Harris

I can't help you on the opuntia, as I have ones that grow here in Missouri and one other call opuntia fragelis.... But I think the one you are asking about is call Cholla Cactus, I got a couple for my mother ( sorry not big enough for starts yet)Sorry I couldn't be of anymore help. Vicky

W, You can do that, certainly. I wouldn't take a chance on it being cold hardy until I have more pads to experiment with. And give it as much light in the winter as you can and infrequent waterings. If you can't give it much light, don't water it but perhaps once - if you water it without adequate light, you'll get etiolated growth, and I really hate it when that happens to the Platyopuntia - they're such a rewarding subtribe! Sharon, That's entirely dependent on the species you have...as you likely know, there are many which would grow in your yard. Have you tried a pad of yours outside? They're a lot more hardy than I thought, and if you can keep it covered with snow or hay they're even hardier. The Opuntia polyacantha here has faced -10F/-15F (it was covered with snow then, though) and is growing well now.