Thanks for the kind words everyone. I found out on the Cacti Forum that the Mammillaria is probably M. microcarpa. Usha, I don't think the Aptenia would care much for full sun. It would do okay, but probably be pretty stressed out. The few bits of mine that don't have any protection from the overhang look pretty bad.

According to Landscape Plants for Dry Climates (written by a faculty member at UA), Ficus Nitida in the ground should be watered every week or two in the hot season and every month or two in the cool but they also point out that many established trees seem to do fine without water - while its not really a low water use plant it certainly is not a water hog. They also recommend them as large container plants. Personally I absolutely love them. I bought one which I have not yet planted cause I don't know where to put it. I might put it in a container - I am concerned about how big it will get in the ground and the roots. I keep changing my mind about where to put it. I also absolutely love Palo Brea which I will put in my yard when I convert it to Xeriscape. I love Ironwood and Jacarandas and Agaves. On the other hand, I'm indifferent to palms and don't care for Chilean Mesquite. There is a Acacia which I can't even be close to when it blooms cause the smell makes me gag. Unfortunately there are tons of them by my work building - guess its not so bad that I'm losing my job :)

Hi John, I see you are quite knowledgabe about cactus and I was wondering if I could pick your brain?! I recently purchased a Opuntia basilaris "Santa Rita" as the purple hue on the paddles and yellow flower was irresistable! I know the tuna is edible but I was wondering about the paddles. I also purchased an opuntia rubescens but cant find any information as to whether it is edible (so I may be returning it shortly). If you have any knowledge I'd love to hear it! Thanks, Briana

I just got my first mammillaria this past summer. so far, they've been easy peasy. nothing special care wise, basically been ignoring them since it's winter. The only one i have thats on your list is M. sempervivi