Hi Phaedros

Like your idea. You do have some issues to work through, though

"1. Are there actually miniature cactii that stay really small? We do not want anything to get much over about 8". Or are we dealing with ?seedlings? that may grow slowly but will potentially become large? "

Dan's Cacti, like a lot of those found in Garden Centres, are generally very young plants, and NEVER named. This makes it very difficult to determine their final size. I would seriously suggest that you either use Dan's and wait and see what you have, or visit a Cactus Nursery where they will suggest plants that will fit your requirements.

Check out http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~cssq/sellers.html

"2. We have total control over soil and were thinking of a layered effect of a stony and/or sand topping, sand/potting mix mid level and a bottom level of coarse sand to ensure good drainage. Any comments/suggestions? Is soil alkalinity or acidity an issue with cactii?"

Basically OK. Just ensure that the sand you use is COARSE, not brickies or builders sand, and definately not beach sand unless VERY, VERY thougherly washed. I have found most cacti like neutral to slightly acidic, but some do like a bit of alkalinity. Overall, though, neutral will be fine.

"3. We were thinking of de-potting the plants and putting them directly into the little ?world?. Is this practical or wise, alternatively should they be left in buried pots? "

De-pot and let them have some root room :-))

Here is a pic, taken about a yr ago, of my bed, here in Sydney. Any plants found at Garden Centres that look 'interesting' or any spares I have, all get stuffed in. The vast majority seem to love it, though a few just never made it - not counting the 2 that got eaten by slugs.

Experiment! You never know how they will go for you. Everyones soil/climate/environment are unique as is the shade of green that your fingers are. A friend of mine grows gorgeous Camellias - for me they ALWAYS turn their toes up :-(((

Good luck, and enjoys experimenting.

LOL

Fof
{{gwi:2111608}}

Tks thefof - kind of you and some useful info there to make a start with.

I also got Dan's email addy and sent a string of questions but so far have received only a spontaneous outburst of apathy :)

That is prob fair enough - they are strictly wholesalers and are probably not geared up to deal directly with civilians!

Anyone else got few cents worth they would like to toss in?

I will keep an illustrated record of what we do through the various stages and offer it here as a self contained article. May help other newbies as so often in so many interests and disciplines, basic starting info can be difficult to dredge up and/or find in one place.

Tks again

Aye

Phaedros