Larry...although TC's are true cactus, they're epiphytic, therefore don't have the typical requirement of other succulents. TC's require humidity. That's where plastic comes in. Marjie, do you have a clear, plastic bag lying around? If so, place the pot inside the plastic. If you enclose the bag airtight, you may not have to water, but check soil periodically in case soil does dry. If you fear wrapping the plant entirely, you can cut slits in the plastic for air circulation. Either way will work. As I stated above...when a TC segment broke off mom, I tossed the cutting in a pot atop soil...with success..Didn't apply effort, no digging a hole then placing segment inside. But, during summer humidity is high so nature takes care of greenery. 'Outdoors.' There's no need to place TC cuttings in plastic during humid, summer months. Indoors, especially this time of year when air is dry, a different approach is needed. Don't fear using plastic. Think about it as a temporary green house. :) Toni

I think I planted mine in NJ/Zone 7 in 2010 or so, from a four footer and now it's at least 20 feet tall. This time of day, the sun hits it at a certain angle and the leaves look yellow-green (even though it is the all green species, not a GoldRush, etc.). What's to say. It's impressive still being able to plant trees at a mature age and being able to look forward to a Sequoia a few years down the line!! I just limbed up mine a bit too. Should do NO HARM, btw. But I would encourage you to water as we are about to start a heat wave here in the East and much of the country. They are okay in heat and drought but NOT AS MUCH so as Bald Cypresses. (Which is btw, another terrific tree!) I have about a half dozen each of Bald Cypress and Dawn Reds to be planted out back in the Autumn. Cheers!

Hi Lilyfinch, Yes that Mexican Shell Flower is a sight to see,..it does multiply to more than double the following season,..they are by no means a small bloom as my smallest are 4 inches wide and the large ones 6 inches,..i collected the seeds last year and have seedlings just now as well as the mature plants,..the only drawback is that the bloom only lasts for a day however next morning there will be more blooms,..i have red,..yellow and pink just now but they have produced cross blooms. Keep daydreaming about where you will plant your new beauties,..gardeners dream a lot,..smile. =============================================== Hi midnightsmum, Ah so you were also smitten with the Mexican Shell Flower,..now you can understand my longing to have some. I will check my seed collection for yourself and Lilyfinch,..i am sure i have some left as i gave away quite a good few at the start of Spring. About your Hollyhocks,..it is said they grow in almost any soil,..i grow them myself from seeds and sow the seeds outside in late Autumn just before the frost arrives,..they do thrive on moist rich soil and a sunny location,..i also use Miracle Grow and a must is to spray the leaves with fungicide to prevent hollyhock rust which is airborne,..i will keep my fingers crossed for you with your Butterfly Bush. Philip

I love this thread!! When I lived in IL, my "black thumb" ex husband decided he wanted to be a farmer and raise "crops" in our city back yard. He proceeded to rip out a number of decades old lilac bushes to make room, burning out the transmission of our car, then decimated a perfectly good tiller that belonged to a neighbor. I wound up buying and planting "his" garden. When I had my fill, I told him to weed it. Yep he did!!!!! pulled up everything I planted and left all the weeds!!! Just for good measure he also pulled up all the azaleas I just planted for a border. To add insult to injury, I wound up replanting, weeding and caring for a garden I didn't even want. The ultimate insult was when the tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and greens were finally ready, he picked them and gave them away letting people know that he grew them himself in his own garden! Next year the garden was turned to lawn, which I wound up mowing. Any wonder he's an EX????