That is a great example of microclimates JoJo! The time spent at the minimum temperature (minutes, hours, days) plays a big role in what temperatures a plant can survive. So does the amount of water in the plant, and in the soil. Dry plants are much more tolerant of cold compared to wet plants. Plants in the ground can survive colder temperatures than plants in pots. I have found most of my plants can tolerate much lower temperatures than typically listed. These lows are brief, just a few hours at most, and it's at least 20 degrees warmer during the day. So plants that are supposed to not go below the mid-thirties F can tolerate minimum temperatures in the high twenties. Agave ferdinand-regis is listed at both +5, and -12 in the list above. The difference between a minimum average temperature, absolute minimum temperature, and Fahrenheit and Celsius scales is often confused. Minimum temperature listings should be regarded with great suspicion, even when coming from a more or less credible source like Desert-Tropicals. It is better to research the plants natural environmental conditions. I would not give much credence to this, or any other so called 'minimum temperature' list. There are too many variables for these to be accurate to any degree. ;) Brad

Best botanist - click on My Page and you will get my email addy. I tried to email you but you haven´t provided yours in this forum. Dufflebag - I don´t find L. williamsii especially slow - I can grow a flowering adult in 2 years. Pirate girl - thankfully 94% of the world´s population do not reside in the land of the not so free, and can grow this fascinating, endangered species without let or hindrance from Dubya etc. And almost all those who take up my offer ARE from the US - I am only too pleased to help them out.

Hi, I have performed a graft of a Lophophora Williamsii onto a Trichocereus Pachanoi about four days ago. It has sealed together but there are red marks around the egdge of the seal on the Trichocereus Pachanoi. Is this natural growth or is it rot/infection. If so what can I do save the graft. I disinfected the knife I used with achoholic sergical wipes. What could have caused the infection? Thankyou for your help, Will

It is unconstitutional for Federal Police to do anything concerning drugs or potential drugs in the States except to prevent them entering the country (and possibly crossing state boundaries). Drug possession, trafficking, etc comes under State jurisdiction. Victoria has a clear precedent that it is not illegal to grow plants that have a potential to be used as drugs. The precedent covered Opium poppies. The grower was convicted of extracting opium but charges for growing them were dismissed. If the Queensland Police want to get serious, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens would be reduced to a lawn BrianB