I think this clone has a flower with more pink. A visiting friend with no strong love for cactus asked when I thought there might be a red flowered form. I replied probably long before there will be a blue one. I was then reminded of the two old Wittia that took up way too much space for way too many years in my old g/h because I clamed the flowers were blue. (Close, perhaps but no cigar.) Al

Welcome to this fabulous hobby - as you're finding out, these plants grow well in temperate zones (at least in the summer). Once you get these down, you'll want to expand your collection to include cold-hardy stuff, too, but what you have is a good start. 1) Because they worship at the altar of Mammon and don't really care about the plants. 2) Warmth, some air movement and bright light (most of the day), along with a daily spritz, will get these cacti pieces rooted - then you can pot them up. 3) Pictures would be great, but that sounds all too true - they're called glufers and I hates 'em forever (said in a Gollum voice). It sounds like you're doing things right - you might look at some of the posts here which have lots of responses, as it offers you a greater chance to turn your sponge into a Shamwow and get a lot of exposure to these plants of ours.

Mayo - Coast to coast they differ, I was probably lucky they restocked! Thanks for the last Aloe ID btw. Penny - Completely agree, I can spend hours reading those tiny captions. It's mildly amusing to read little snippets of the plants origins. David - I'll keep a look out for any var Haws for you in future, I don't mind buying it for you, but you will need to cover postage/shipping. (Enable your PM, so you can send me your wishlist!) Andy - Totally on the same page, that's why growing is an investment! ;) Howard - Yea, it's the branch in Gowanus in Brooklyn. Sharp eye, I'm certain the pink ones behind are E. Cubic Frost. I believe these bigger plants were from a different supplier and not Altman's. I don't think I have much experience encountering E. Gibbiflora, let alone hybrids. lol Thanks for sharing your Echeverias, LOVE your entire E collection! I saw a post on your E. Carribean before too, that's what I love so much about Echeverias, they are so adaptable that it shows in their appearance and color, given by the growing environment. (btw your jade cuttings are rooting! gonna find a weekend to pot them individually and share some pictures. Thanks again for the cuttings!) Thanks Azt - They're just fabulous! Here's a picture of the itty bitty inflorescence pushing through, just after a month of care.. Glad I can help with IDs!! lol Did you manage to speak to the seller for the Lauii, he didn't seem very responsive the last time.. - Bernard

The crowds are definitely an issue, especially for me since I need to use a wheelchair or scooter (I rarely use either, but I can't stand/walk long enough to really see the Flower Show so I make the extra effort.) Since I live not far away from the convention center, I try to pick my time carefully and go in the later afternoon/evening of a weekday. Otherwise it's so jam-packed it's hard to see anything, and even harder to take pictures. I'm always disappointed in the vendors - not many that actually sell plants, and way too many that sell jewelry and bags and knick-knacks and stuff like that. Even the ceramics vendors don't have many plant pots to choose from among the vases and dishes. I guess they make more money off the little things they sell that aren't so hard to carry, since so many people come from out of town to see the flower show. The Holland theme was nice, but it got kind of repetitive - tulips and bicycles, bicycles and tulips. I really liked the National Parks theme from last year.