It doesn't seem one can buy true CCs; they don't seem to be for sale at nurseries. Only cuttings shared among gardeners as far as I've seen/heard.

Karen, thanks so much for your quick response. Do you have cuttings of a True CC? I am willing to purchase. My Mom is very sick and I want to do this for her. Best regards, Lynn

I mis-spoke above----meant perlite. Sorry.

The garden centers, flower shops & them BBS type places have been referencing most every TC as a CC for so long it baffles me as to how they call them selves professionals as they pot em up in sludge .

Your looking for and should ask for a schlumbergera buckleyi it only has one flower color that's also the same shape and color of a typical zyco form of TC ( Schulmbergera trunkata )

Best of luck to you during your searching and finding as S. buckleyi has a history of being a handed down heirloom but am pretty sure you might be able to find a smaller ( younger) sized cutting as part of a trade or online sources sale.

nomen_nudum means it looks like this (this is mine from this past June.)

Nomen_nudum, thanks for your response. I did ask at the 3 nurseries/ garden centers near my home and two said they could not get CCs in. The third actually have some TCs in and have them labeled as CCs with that plastic label! When I asked if they could get TRUE CCs in, they did not know what I was talking about! If any of your cuttings fall off and you want to sell them please let me know. My email is at yahoo.com. Thanks again for your response.

ldlconsultinginc no offence to them....but they don't even pot them in the right medium.

NEED HELP ... I just looked at my only group of cutting that are growing in organic cactus soil and there are very very tiny white skinny things moving around in the soil...as thin as thread and maybe as long as 1/32 of an inch. They are very hard to see. I tried to pick them out but there are too many! Should I trash the plant, the soil, and this whole project? Mom has cancer so I do not want to use pesticides. Please help.

Most likely fungus gnat larvae. Do you have gnats as well? You need to improve airflow and control moisture within your soil mix better. Treating with BTK will probably work.

Thanks. What does BTK mean?

Bacilus thuringiensis kurstaki - it is biological pesticide. A bacteria, when ingested by the insects, it breaks down their guts...

It's a bacteria that kills soil larvae. You can buy it from your local garden store.

Could ldconsulting unpot the plants, remove all soil and repot in cleaned pots thereby avoiding the BTK?

Sorry about your mom, idconsulting. Hope she returns to better health.

If they have dark head portions, likely to be fungus gnat larvae, often in peaty, wet conditions, keep dryer to avoid. Just white thin threads with no dark area, sound like nematodes. I would change the soil mix and avoid pesticides.

Gill

If me I'd trash the' organic ' soil thoroughly rinse the roots allowing the entire plant and all it's roots exposed laying flat on a tray for a couple days to a week prior to re-potting it in a ' clean' mix/soil.

The suggested BDK ( read, understand and follow label instructions) would also be effective if re-potting is out your limitations at this time.

ldlconsultinginc: for these jungle cacti..you need orchid bark...they are epiphytes, they grow on trees high in the rain forest in Rio De Janeiro...their roots hang down so water runs off of them...just how orchids grow on trees. Take them out..rinse the roots and put them in pure orchid bark...mist them for a few days until they get adjusted...then water as needed on your climate and conditions.

With all that said, I've known (and have in family), CCs planted in garden soil (ick yes...but it's what my grand mother and great grand mother had) that have been in the family for more than seventy years (same pot, same stems).

They're actually pretty tough and adjustable and (like orchids) can be grown in anything pretty much as long as you can control environment (like air circulation, temperature, and watering).

In nature, they grow in niches where fallen leaves and decaying bark collect into organic "soils" in the trees. They're not epiphytic in the same manner as tropical orchids, and growing on bare bark.

Thanks to ALL for the helpful comments. I threw out a badly infested plant and soil. Is organic soil ( African violet, cactus, orchid organic for example) bad for controlling fungus gnats? I was able to purchase new plants for 2.59 each! At Shoprite! I put them together on one pot for Mom. (See attached pic.) hope I did not hurt the plant. I did not break apart the soil surrounding the roots because I know u are not supposed to repot when in bloom.

I still have a few annoying gnats! I have Torro traps around .

Is organic soil ( African violet, cactus, orchid organic for example) bad for controlling fungus gnats?

Some inconsistent statements being suggested to you in the terms of an ideal soil for the plant in question. Imagine how many conflicting statements you'll read concerning pest control.

Not to discourage you or the ideals of the masses who may suggest to do battle with them pest but if that plant came into this adobe it would have been bare rooted to the point of every reminder of soil removed tossed out the door prior to re-potting.

IMO Nothing is more difficult than having to continue with pest control /management but if you get them ALL at the start with pest elimination it will be a whole lot easier to keep em in control.

ldl

Al I have ever read (and from my experience too) suggest that fungus gnats love damp environment and feed on organic matter. So I would say yes, too much of these will encourage fungus gnats to stick around. And it is very possible for bagged soil to have FG eggs in it, and/or FG being brought in on newly purchased plants.

I am sure many use more organic soil, but have to pay more attention to watering in order not to keep it too damp and for too long.

I have been using very gritty mix for all succulents, for about 4yrs now. Just about all pots have no soil in the mix at all. Fungus gnats are a rarity. I see few here & there when I bring all plants indoors - that includes many tropicals in very large pots, that I can't use gritty mix for - it would be impossible for me to move them.

I have many succulents only (no tropicals there) in one area, I would have to look for fungus gnats with magnifying glass...Doesn't mean they are totally eliminated, but there are so few, that I do not have any problems. I can, literally, count them, if I see any. Most likely, it is impossible to get rid of any and all pests 100% of all times.

Eliminating any standing water, picking up any fallen plant debris, good air circulation - these will help too. I have never had to use any insecticides for FG. I did use Mosquito dunks before I repotted plants into gritty mix.

Sorry if I am repeating myself...

Thanks for all the helpful comments. Can anyone tell me about their experience with Bonsai Jack's gritty soil for succulents? Will this soil keep down the fungus gnats? Also can I transplant a store bought TC now to avoid keeping it in the store bought soil? Thanks

Oh also can I root cuttings in this gritty mix? I have some new cuttings and have decided to stop rooting in water. I saved one cutting that rooted and are letting the roots dry before I repot. Thanks again!

Also can I transplant a store bought TC now to avoid keeping it in the store bought soil?

You could if you option to do the work ASAP I suggest you work methodically and slowly the emphasis is to prevent damage to roots For the inexperienced I imagine minimal damage to the roots may occur.

There are methods of rinsing and picking away the old soil that you may want to consider for minimal damage.

Can anyone tell me about their experience with Bonsai Jack's gritty soil for succulents?

Not ever used it but Yes I would suggest it as it's been pre-made by folks who care about the products that they also use for there own plants and offer to the public.

Your pest concerns and this soil/mix: Girts help the pot environment be a little more uncomfortable for pest to move around IMO grits help provide a lesser welcoming mat for pest in comparison to the all purpose or amended heavier soils of mass producers which is not only a welcome mat but also a wide open door for pest.

IMO it is a little shy in bark sizes and amount of bark for holiday catci yet it would work for any holiday cacti The only reason why it wouldn't work as a viable soil/mix for cati is a person who is lacking the basic principals of good growing practices.

Thanks so much! I am starting over with new cuttings and ONE rooted cutting I saved from the gnat affected plant. I am letting all cuttings, including the one with the root, dry and callous over for 10 days. I want to try to root in soil this time ( for the first time) and can use some guidance. Can I root them in the bonsai jacks gritty medium? Do I do anything different for the plant with the dry root to bring it back to life? Do I water right away since the cuttings are in a gritty mix? Is waiting 10 days enough time to have them callous over? Thanks again! I am including pics of my cuttings. Do I take the buds off?

Far left one with longest roots: If here it would be in the new slightly damp medium and pot already. Also the mix you mentioned from Bonsai Jack's would be a fairly decent starter mix.

Is waiting 10 days enough time to have them callous over? IMO some already look calloused enough to attempt

Do I take the buds off? A double edge sword in a way Allowing them to remain is less energy being available for the remaining plant parts and root system. Removing buds also sets a natural growing cycle of it per say but would have no damaging effects if you where to remove them.

I've had loads of success re-potting budding/ flowering plants and continue the water them as needed principal just not this particular one as I habit re-potting tropical cacti epic ( if needed) early spring or just after the late winter rest period.

Thanks so much! It may take a few days to order my gritty mix. Will the rooted cutting survive? Anything I should do for that one? Thanks again!

Anybody have any trouble with pure bark as their mix? I think my loft is warm and dry, so I can't really keep the same watering interval for my Schlumbergera as with my other succulents. It just dries out too quickly (and I always forget to give it extra water).

Trying to figure out if I need to mix in some perlite or switch to a plastic pot instead of a terracotta one. Or maybe both? Thinking of mixing this in with 50% of my pure bark. It's more bark, pumice, and a few random pieces of grit:

@ Kevin I've got and/or have had them in TC pots, plastic pots, glazed pots, bonsai pots, dish bottom saucer glazed BBS type pots finding no differences in the watering regiment but the size of the pot that is bigger possess longer moisture holding in that effect Example a 10 gallon thick wall glazed planter pot once damp enough can hold that dampness for a while ( 3 -5 months ) pot size and shape have little influence on size and form. In concern for epics smaller sized ones enjoy smaller pots but bigger ones do enjoy bigger pots and need them for the added moisture and root room. If and when big enough and long enough roots some depth will also help. If the roots snug the bottom of the pot they also tend to dry rather quickly and may show scattered yellowing foliage on the top side.

The avg 3- 6 inch pot when watering.. I don't tend to use extra water in that sense but do tend to water all the epic plant type bark mixes more frequently. Pot location(s) and growth times considered ( warmer summer cooler times for example) as often as two times a week during the growing times of these which is usually often.

Concerning your mix in pic looks good but IMHO more bark and slightly bigger pieces is a good idea.Keep in mind it takes a bit of time watering for bark to be the dampness these enjoy. I also tend to slow watering down during the flowering stage for it's rest time during darker winter months when watering frequency is at a near stand still after flowering I move them to the east side where they wait for spring time sun exposure.

Kevin

Would you consider adding some turface?

The gritty mix from Bonsai Jack has bifenthrin in it, so I cannot use it. Has anyone had experience with GREEN PLANET NATURALS Cactus Mix, which has 35% to 40% pumice already mixed in it? It also has manure and worm castings which I am a bit concerned about due to bugs, gnats. Please let me know what you think about this soil and if you had any problems with it. Thanks so much.

Bifenthrin info It reads as though its used to target a specific pest and would be at a low % of the entire soil content It would break down over a time period of apx 60 - 90 days as a rough guess More info on link provided.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bifenthrin

Of the two and if the only two I had to choose from it would be Bonsia Jacks. Reasoning higher organics in containers tend to be more pest friendly. Also to suggest that if your trying to have and maintain a pest free pot/plant a higher organic soil isn't an ideal choice for a plant in a pot environment. Greenplanet organic soil is kind of defeating pest control/ management/concerns and objectives.

My question is why are you still looking for an ideal soil when your TC's should already be in a soil/mix ? IMO & no offence but you seem to be overly hesitant to have them in pots while asking the same question over and over again. The ideal soil/mix is on this thread.

It is hard for me to mix my own soil. Money is so tight as is time with my mom's illness. I was hoping to purchase a premixed gritty mix that is toxin free. I am only potting two plants (6 inches by 6 inches), so I do not need an abundance of mix. I am surprised more people do not sell a toxic free gritty mix. The nurseries in the area do not sell bark, poultry grit or pumice. I am trying to see if I can purchase small amounts online. Thank you again for your advice.

Ok...I found separate bags of pumice, fir bark (medium or small) ,and poultry grit ( do I use the grit for baby chicks or hens) ...do I add a thing else?

I think it is best to make my own mix since I cannot find a toxic free mix out there but have to order all online. Thanks.

Respectfully, you're making this way too big a deal.

African violet soil w/ perlite mixed 50/50 will do just fine (buy & use a cheap little mask if you're so nervous abt safety).

If you don't pot them up soon, they won't make it. You've said they've been out of 10 days already;that's already too long. Just pls. pot them up already.

The ingredients I've mentioned are just fine (not toxic) available in small quantities & reasonably priced.

Should be good enough would use it in parts make your mix to look like the one from Bonsai Jacks but a little more bark OR with more added bark .

Assuming you mean the bird and not the succulent ( Sempervivium) I wont get into hens and chicks There are two types of poultry grit that you'd already have on hand if the'hens and chicks' where in your care.

Just as an FYI it's no big deal have questions feel free to ask away it's what the forum is for. IME I find the pre-made AV soil from a BBS to peaty not only for your cacti but is also to heavy in peat for the same African violets that it is suggested for. I think we have already disused the toxic qualities of perlite not that you cant use perlite but you would need to adorn a breathing mask to prevent perlite dust inhalation. ( As it is very dusty )

Nomen:

Yes, questions are always welcome. However, it's the THIRD thread they've made on same topic, same plants & same questions. Asked & answered multiple times.

Yes and if 12 different person ask the same question on a different thread they can do a easier to find search Multiply that by several years

Sorry, but I have no idea what that response means Nomen. But it's not 12 people, it's the same ONE person in this instance.

It means if you dont want to read the same post in different words over and over then simply dont read it

Pls. think about what you've just said --

I can't know it's the same thing unless I actually READ IT.

Sorry, my mind reading powers just don't seem to be working.

Nomen_nudum I cannot thank you enough for all of your advice and patience! I scored some beautiful TCs at ShopRite. Only $2.50 each on sale! These I can wait to pot until after the buds fall off. In meantime I ordered an orchid mix that contains mostly fir bark, some wood charcoal and perlite already mixed for my cuttings AND am ordering more fir bark and some ingredients from Al's gritty mix from a private online dealer. I want to experiment befor it is time to pot up my new plants. I am including a pic of the plants I boutpght. Wish I could find a TRUE Christmas cactus but these will have to do for now! I want to thank ALL who have given me constructive advice. I am a newbie at this and going through a lot! Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

While they wait in the old pots, take that fanciful wrapping off - just a pot & saucer. They look like nice plants & variety of color.

Lovely colors on them. Agree as Rina suggested you'll need to remove the foil wrapper a saucer will be fine for a drip tray.

@ imonestella That's true. What else is true is the choice that one makes to provide a more constructive statement regardless of how repetitive it may be. Fact is peps don't hear / read/see things for what they are most of the times and often need to hear it/ read it and see it more than once. QVC HSN and even TV commercials will repeat the same lines several times while representing ( showing) the same product in a consistent and continues manner.

ldlconsultinginc if you remind me in the summer, I'll be more than happy to send you cuttings of the true xmas cactus (xbuckleyi)

Nomen - Thanks for the input, I've gone for a slightly larger 4" square plastic pot to reduce the drying. Went with the pumice mixed in with the existing barky (and a little perlite) mix that I was using.

Rina - The bark I was using was already drying out, even though I had watered just 3 days ago. It was still moist, but I can see why I was having trouble keeping up.

I've added in a bunch of sifted turface to the mix. Hopefully it helps and this mix will be easier to water and keep at the desired moisture level.

I cannot thank all of you enough!

Nomen you definitely know you stuff and it is very kind of you to take the time to share your expertise with me and everyone on this site!

Silenteyesspy, thanks for the offer! I will remind you this coming summer. please don't forget me!

I just noticed last evening a small bug moving in the soil of two of my plants (wispy webby stuff and brown at bottom of stem of one- could be spider mites). I had just got one of these plants from Trader Joes. I did seem to resolve fungus gnat Problem. I have not seen one! I quickly quarantined the plants that seem to be affected and am going to get a good general organic spray recommended by my local garden center.

Thanks to everyone again and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Lynn :)

Maybe you could wait a day or 2 before spraying things, I wouldn't be so quick w/ the sprays.

Perhaps taking the foil off first will help. My sense is that foil keeps things too moist & might just bring back your prior fungus gnat problem.

Thanks Karen, I took the foil off all the plants.