The cactus is Gymnocalycium mihanovichi (sp?). It is a variegated form that should be kept away from too much sun. Unless there is green chorophyll producing tissue, those offsets should remain attached. As for the 2nd plant - a "few cloudy days lately" does not result in severe etiolation. There is not nearly enough light for your plants. No matter what else you do, if you can't find good, bright light then it will never look the way it should. You can snip off the stem tips and root them easily but you need a sunnier spot to get compact growth. x

Sarah The offsets could be removed and potted separately (they look large enough) - let them callus a bit (is that what you were referring to as give it a little bit of time ?). But as Brad said, new well-draining mix would be much better. Don't over-water the offsets - while they don't have roots, they can take the water and the stems may start rotting. Second plant is very nice... Rina

You could add both - I know Lena said it is not necessary (and it isn't an absolute must), but anything that will make the mix more porous is a plus. Especially if you are heavy waterer or if your plants are outdoors where it rains more often. I don't remember if you mentioned your general location (it is good to indicate by your name - as you can see most ppl do); I am in Ontario, Canada and have to bring plants inside for the winter but keep them all outdoors otherwise. All my succulents are in a mix of grit+perlite+turface and have been for almost 4 years now.

I went the show today! Cactus is definitely a Pilosocereus:). I think it's either P. pachycladus or P. glaucescens. I'm feeling more P. glaucescens. Top is an Aloe not sure which one. I saw one in the show that looks like yours. I took a pic here it is. They have it listed as A. wickensii:). Now looking at yours and the one in the show they don't look alike. Aloes look alike when young:). Both are still pretty. Last one is a Haworthia:). Looks like H. retusa:). One of the best in show was a Haworthia did you see it? That Haworthia bayeri was huge! I swear it was 6 inches across. Here's the best Haworthia in show:). Grown by Dennis West.