COMMUNIQUE. San Gabriel Valley Cactus & Succulent Society. The next meeting of the

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1 San Gabriel Valley Cactus & Succulent Society COMMUNIQUE An Affiliate of the Cactus & Succulent Society of America September 2018 Volume 51, Number 09 The next Cactus and Succulent Workshop will meet Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30 pm in the Palm Room at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. The next meeting of the San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Society will be Thursday, September 13 at 7:30 pm in Ayres Hall at the LA County Arboretum in Arcadia. Topic: Ariocarpus IN THIS ISSUE Mini Show Plants for Thursday, September 13 Cacti: Ariocarpus Succulent: Fouquieria Club Information...page 2 Refreshment Reminder.. page 3 This Month s Program page 4 Cactus of the Month..pages 5, 6, and 7 Succulent of the Month....pages 8, 9, and 10 Annual Picnic....page 11 POM and Workshop topics....page 12 Mini-show results from June..pages 13 and 14 Calendar of Upcoming Events.page 15 and 16 Inter-City Show....page 17 1

2 Material in the COMMUNIQUE publication may be reprinted by nonprofit organizations (unless such permission is expressly denied in a note accompanying the material) provided proper credit is given to the SGVCSS and the author, and that one copy of the publication containing the reprinted material is sent to the editor. Reproduction in whole or part by any other organization or publication without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. SGVCSS LEADERSHIP TEAM 2018 Tom Vermilion, President Gunnar Eisel, Past President Vince Basta, Vice President Louise Guerin, Secretary Margie Wilson, Treasurer Irene Chew, Director Richard Salcedo, Director Donn Muhleman, Director Gunnar Eisel, Director Sharon Sedillo, Director Kal Kaminer, Director Manny Rivera, Winter Show Chair John Matthews, Winter Sales Chair Tom Glavich, Inter-City Show Chair Jim Hanna, CSSA Affiliate Rep Gunnar Eisel, Website Chair Woody Minnich, Program Chair Tori Wilson, Membership Chair Cindy Arakaki, Librarian Richard Roosman, Newsletter Editor Note** Join the San Gabriel Valley Cactus & Succulent Society. Membership dues are $20 per year. Your dues can be paid at the next meeting or mailed directly to: Tori Wilson 501 San Luis Rey Road, Arcadia, CA Make checks payable to SGVCSS 2

3 REFRESHMENTS The membership list has been divided into ten lists. For SEPTEMBER, if your last name begins with R please bring refreshments Please have snacks ready by 7 pm. Some ideas: brownies, burritos, chips & dip, cookies, cupcakes, M & M s, pizza, sandwiches, trail mix, etc. Of course, we welcome snacks brought by anyone, even if your last name does not start with M. REFRESHMENTS Schedule for 2018: February last name beginning with A or B March last name beginning with C or D April last name beginning with E, F, or G May last name beginning with H, I, or J June last name beginning with K or L July last name beginning with M August last name beginning with N, O, or P September last name beginning with R October last name beginning with S November last name beginning with T, U, V, or W 3

4 September 2018 Presentation by Dr. Tim Harvey San Gabriel Cactus & Succulent Society September 2018 Tim Harvey s Presentation Southern California has a winter rainfall climate, but uncertainty remains when it comes to growing plants from other such regions here. The talk will cover aspects of what makes a plant a winter grower, observations from habitat, the best cultivation practices, and an overview of which plants fall into this diverse group. Biography: If you have not heard Tim speak, you might not know that he is originally from England. He moved across the pond in Falling a little short, he worked at the Ontario Cancer Institute in Toronto for a couple of years. He completed the trip to California when he went to work in the Biotechnology industry. He was also able to relocate his cactus collection, started 20 years earlier, to a more favorable climate. Escaping with his morals intact in 2006, he enrolled as a full-time propagator and pollinator of his favorite plants, as well as becoming Editor of the Cactus and Succulent Journal in He makes frequent trips to his adopted country Namibia, as well as appearances at clubs in Southern California, either as a speaker, or as a vendor. Never able to walk past a plant in flower without trying to pollinate it, he is also a keen hybridizer, with the pachycauls, Aloes, and bulbs in his collection being defenseless subjects for experimentation. 4

5 San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Society Cactus of the Month September 2018 Ariocarpus Article and photos by Tom Glavich Ariocarpus is one of the treasures of the world of Cacti. This genus from Central to Northern Mexico and Southern Texas has some of the most spectacular species of the entire family. Some succulent growers who otherwise avoid cacti make this genus their sole exception. There are collectors who collect nothing but Ariocarpus and have hundreds of plants in their collections. Rare specimens can change hands for hundreds of dollars. Rare cultivars with unusual tubercles can be sold for even more, particularly in Japan and China. There is no denying that this genus has generated a world-wide cult of devotees. With all of this, you might expect Ariocarpus to be expensive, difficult to come by, and difficult to grow. Nothing could be further from the truth. They are no more difficult to grow than any other central Mexican genera. All of the species and all of the varieties are readily available and all are affordable. This genus is well within the range of even novice growers. Field collected specimens are occasionally available, and these are much more expensive, and much harder to grow. Recently collected specimens are now almost always illegally obtained. However, interesting hybrids have been produced by several growers, Frank Nudge of our club, Miles Anderson, and Gene Joseph, both of Tucson, being just a few. With all of the fuss we make over the horticultural merits of this genus, we shouldn t overlook the plants important ethno-botanical uses from several Native American cultures. The tubercles contain sticky mucilage which was often used as glue to mend broken pots. A. kotschoubeyanus was boiled and used as a cure for rheumatism, and several species were used as false peyote in religious ceremonies. Cultivation is not difficult when the home environment of these plants is remembered. They grow in mineral soils with very little organic matter. They all have large tuberous roots. They grow in areas that are very hot in the summer and that have summer rainfall. If they are protected from excess organic matter, particularly peat, and watered heavily, and fertilized only in hot weather, good growth will result. They need protection from winter rains. Using low ph (acidified) water will help with the growth and the appearance of these plants. 5

6 Ariocarpus (continued) Admirable Ariocarpus There are six species, several varieties, and a near infinite set of cultivars. Ariocarpus agavoides, as its name implies, resemble agaves. Discovered only in 1941, it is rare in nature and cultivation. It comes from just a few areas in Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosi. Ariocarpus bravoanus has flattened triangular tubercles. A beautiful species, it is slow growing and still not seen in many collections, although seedlings are now often available. This species also comes from just a few localities in San Luis Potosi. Ariocarpus fissuratus is much more common. This species spreads from the Pecos River in Texas south to Durango. The wide geographical range of this species, along with the isolation of some of the populations, has given rise to several cultivars. This species is one of the more collectable with many cultivars and hybrids with extra hair, wide tubercles, etc. Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus is the miniature of the genus. This species never gets above ground. It is widespread in Mexico, occurring in silt plains from Coahuila to Queretaro. In habitat, this species is sometimes under water! It is relatively easy to grow, requiring only a good, quick draining potting mix. Multi-headed specimens of this species are especially appreciated. Ariocarpus retusus was the first species discovered, first described in This is an easily grown species. It is widespread throughout the Chihuahuan desert. A subspecies, A. retusus ssp. Trigonus, has more triangular tubercles. As with fissuratus, there are dozens of cultivars, variants, variegates, etc. of the species and the subspecies. Ariocarpus scaphirostris is another of the small, less collected species. Seedlings are available and it is no more difficult than many others. It is native to Nuevo Leon. 6

7 Ariocarpus (continued) Ariocarpus retusus photo by Tom Glavich Ariocarpus fissuratus Photo by Tom Glavich 7

8 San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Society Succulent of the Month FOUQUIERIA September 2018 Article and photos by Tom Glavich Fouquieria is a genus of about a dozen species native to Mexico, the Southwest, and California. The genus is the sole member of the family Fouquieriaceae. The family has no close relatives. Fouquieria are a major part of the California and Arizona desert flora. The sculptural forms of Fouquieria splendens (better known as Ocotillo) grace most desert areas, being particularly plentiful in Joshua tree National Monument and other preserved desert lands. Fouquieria columnaris, known by many other names (Boojum, Cirio, Idria, etc.) defines the desert views of much of Baja California. Many of the Fouquieria species have been nearly impossible to find until recently when vegetative propagation of choice specimens and seed collection made them available. They are all slow growing, so getting a large size plant is still expensive for most species. This will change as many of the rarer species are now in cultivation. All of the species make great pot and show plants when pruned and displayed at their best. A few species, such as Fouquieria splendens, make good garden plants over much of the geographical range of our club. They can be sensitive to too much water in the wrong season, and too much organic mater in the soil, but if sufficient drainage is applied, and water from garden sprinklers is avoided, good growth generally results. Many of the Mexican species make the best show and display plants. Although they are harder to come by, they have the best roots, pachycaul trunks, and caudexes. Some of the species, such as Fouquieria purpusii and Fouquieria ochoterenae, both of which come from Oaxaca, should be treated as tropical succulents and never allowed to get cold and wet at the same time. Almost all of the Fouquieria will leaf out more than once per year depending on the water. As the roots dry the leaves quickly turn brown and drop off. A good soaking rain will start leaf growth again. 8

9 Fouquieria (continued) Fouquieria can be propagated from seed, and seed for even some of the rarest species has become available, though pricey. Good seed germinates quickly, usually within 10 days. The seedling plants need bright light, protection from drying sun, high humidity, and good watering practice. After a few weeks they begin to resemble Fouquieria, although not necessarily the spectacular species they will become. They should be moved up in pot size relatively quickly with care taken not to damage the seedling roots on the first couple of transplants. Fouquieria can also be propagated by cuttings. Cuttings of branches should be taken just as they begin to leaf out. A good hormonal treatment (best success seems to be coming from the rooting hormone gels) will get the cuttings to root. Rooting is best with a little bottom heat, but cool, moving air around the leaves. As might be expected the rare species are hardest to root and the common species are easiest. All of the Fouquieria tolerate being planted is shallow pots (in habitat they often start in cracks between rocks), as long as they are properly watered. These are all oddly shaped plants, and this can encourage creative staging treatment. Fouquieria macdougalii is readily available, easy to grow, and inexpensive. It is a great one to start with. A Baja California hillside featuring Fouquieria 9

10 San Gabriel Valley Cactus & Succulent Society Workshops February... Pelargonium March... Rebutia, Sulcoreburtia, and Weingartia April... Spring Seed Workshop May... Vegetative Propagation June... Coryphantha and Escobaria July... Staging and Show Preparation August...Sansevieria September... Ariocarpus October...Winter Seed Workshop November... Conophytum and flowering Mesembs Plant of the Month: Cacti Plant of the Month: Succulent Feb Single Head Mammillaria Pelargonium Mar Rebutia, Sulcorebutia, and Aeonium Weingartia Apr Small cactus staged as mini Small succulent staged as mini May Buiningia and Uebelmannia Gasteria June Coryphantha and Escobaria Euphorbia not endemic to Madagascar July Echinocereus Sansevieria Aug Favorite cactus Favorite succulent Sept Ariocarpus Fouquieria Oct Parodia and Notocactus Conophytum and flowering Mesembs Nov Best staged Cactus Best staged Succulent 10

11 MINI SHOW RESULTS FROM AUGUST 2018 MEETING FAVORITES Open Division Favorite Cactus First place Cindy Arakaki Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus Second place Cindy Arakaki Ariocarpus agavoides Third Place Cindy Arakaki Strombocactus disciformis Novice Division Favorite Cactus First place Winny Sutandyo Notocactus magnificus Second place Winny Sutandyo Myrtillocactus geometrizans Second Place Dennis Fees Cereus Third Place Amanda Erlanson Sulcorebutia ruschii Third place Winny Sutandyo Gymnocalycium sp. Open Division Favorite Succulent First place Manny Rivera Pachypodium bispinosum Second place Cindy Arakaki Pseudolithos migiurtinus Third place Manny Rivera Pelargonium carnosum Novice Division Favorite Succulent First place Winny Sutandyo Haworthia retusa Second place Winny Sutandyo Euphorbia pugniformis Third place Winny Sutandyo Gasterhaworthia 11

12 A Thank You Note from the Three Inter-City Co-Chairs We would like to thank everyone who participated in making this the largest and best Inter-City Show in years. We had tremendous support from all three clubs in setting up the show and sale, entering plants, participating in the judging, preparing and serving food, working the sales area, and tear down. Our interactions with the public were excellent, and I expect all three clubs will end up with new members because of this show. There were 200 more plants entered this year than last year and a total of about 1400 plants in the show room. This is the highest in several years. The number of people entering plants in the show was also the highest as was the number of novices. The novices are the future of this show and the clubs, and it is great to see such wonderful participation. All three co-chairs heard many compliments both from the club members and the general public about the quality of the show and the friendliness and encouragement given by all who participated. Sales were also at an all-time high, helped by wonderful publicity, and the quality of the plant material on the sales tables. Thanks all of you for making the Inter-City Show so great and so much fun. Tom Glavich, John Martinez,In Krystoff 12

13 2018 INTER-CITY SHOW STATISTICS High Points Overall 01 Kathryn Boorer Tony Marino Richard Salcedo Christopher Zaferes M A Bjarkman Gary Duke Barbara Hall Sandy Chase Ken Shaw Tom Glavich 65 High Points Open 01 Tony Marino Gary Duke Tom Glavich Petra Crist Miles To Go 58 High Points Cacti Open 01 Tony Marino Miles To Go Gary Duke Gene Joseph Kal Kaminer 24 High Points Succulent Open 01 Petra Crist John Bleck Nick Wilkinson Jim Hanna Tom Glavich 45 High Points Advanced 01 Kathryn Boorer Christopher Zaferes Barbara Hall Sandy Chase Ken Shaw 70 High Points Cacti Advanced 01 Kathryn Boorer Ken Shaw Barbara Hall Mark Digeros Gunnar Eisel 25 High Points Succulent Advanced 01 Christopher Zaferes Kathryn Boorer Sandy Chase John Martinez Barbara Hall 43 High Points Novice 01 Richard Salcedo M A Bjarkman Sharon Sedillo Brian Porray Daniel Pio 58 High Points Cacti Novice 01 Richard Salcedo Sharon Sedillo Alex Sierra Amanda Erianson O Callaghan & Cong 39 High Points Succulent Novice 01 M A Bjarkman Daniel Pio Brian Porray Ann Hopkinson John Suciu 39 13

14 2018 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS (continued) HUNTINGTON BOTANICAL GARDEN SUCCULENT SYMPOSIUM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 all day at the Huntington Information: LOS ANGELES CACTUS & SUCCULENT SOCIETY FALL SALE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 from 9:30 am to 4 pm Sepulveda Garden, Magnolia Blvd, Encino LONG BEACH CACTUS CLUB ANNUAL PLANT AUCTION SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 from noon to 5 pm Rancho Los Alamitos, 6400 Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach Information: BAKERSFIELD CACTUS & SUCCULENT SHOW & SALE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 from 10 am to 5 pm SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 from 11 am to 3 pm St. Paul s Church, th Street, Bakersfield Free admission and Parking Information: PALOMAR Cactus & Succulent Society FALL SHOW & SALE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 from 10 am to 5 pm SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 from 10 an ti 3 on San Diego Botanic Gardens, 230 Quail Gardens Road, Encinitas Information: brita_miller@yahoo.com or

15 NEW DATE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CACTUS & SUCCULENT WINTER SHOW & SALE SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019 from 9 am to 4 pm SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 from 9 am to 4 pm Ayres Hall, Los Angeles County Arboretum, 310 North Baldwin Ave, Arcadia Information: Manny Rivera John Matthews Trophy table winners at Inter-City Show 15

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17 COMMUNIQUE Newsletter of the San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Society c/o Richard Roosman P.O. Box 5222 Huntington Park, CA FIRST CLASS MAIL If you have a cactus or succulent related event that you would like to have announced in the COMMUNIQUE, forward the information to the address below. Please verify the event date. Articles, Notices and Corrections can be sent via to: richardinwalnutpark@msn.com or via mail to: San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Society Newsletter Editor, c/o Richard Roosman, P.O. Box 5222, Huntington Park, CA Material must be received by the 20th of the month to be considered for publication in the next issue of the COMMUNIQUE.