T-rex Plants Blog

Published weekly. Ish. You can also follow along on Instagram at @trexplants

Is It Supposed to Look Like That or Is It Dying? How to Tell If Your Cactus Needs Water

Something I've been asked about often, via email, Instagram, and in person, is about when to water a cactus. How can you tell when your cactus is thirsty and needs water? They don't seem to do anything, so how do you know when it's the right time? If you've been...

Anthurium Ace of Spades – Highly Coveted and Gorgeous

In the COVID plant boom days, this particular Anthurium hybrid was one of the most highly coveted of all - and for good reason! It's a super dramatic plant, with rich, dark leaves and an almost iridescent shimmer to them. If you're building a dark-leaved plant...

The Lazy Guide to Growing Exotic Houseplants

In a post-COVID world, where the houseplant craze has died down and the bubble of insane prices has popped, it's super accessible to grab some fun houseplants to try. Or you're like me, and snagged a bunch as you came across them, and now you're trying to figure out...
Care Diary: Stenocereus beneckei

Care Diary: Stenocereus beneckei

The Stenocereus beneckei is one of those cacti that when you see one grown in greenhouse conditions, or sheltered from natural rainfall, it absolutely takes your breath away. The ghostly pale body and stark contrast of the spines draws the eye no matter who you are. ...

Conophytum Eye Candy, Part 3 – Visit to Steve Hammer

Conophytum Eye Candy, Part 3 – Visit to Steve Hammer

As I said earlier, I took hundreds of photos when I visited Steve's, but I've cherry picked the best to post here.  Steve was a wealth of knowledge, kind, friendly, and it was wonderful to visit. His assistant, Oakes, was also extremely kind and helpful in showing off...

Conophytum Eye Candy, Part 2 – Visit to Steve Hammer

Conophytum Eye Candy, Part 2 – Visit to Steve Hammer

These photos are of named species that I could identify, although I won't claim any expertise in what's what.  I personally struggle to grow conophytums, or at least I have in years past. I think I tried too hard with them before; too much water in their off season,...

Conophytum Eye Candy – More from the Steve Hammer visit

Conophytum Eye Candy – More from the Steve Hammer visit

While there were oodles of Lithops at Steve's place, what was truly special was the sheer quantity of amazing specimen Conophytum. They were all just starting to wake up for the winter growth season, and beginning to bloom.  It was interesting to talk Conos with Steve...

Care Diary: Gymnocalycium vatteri

Care Diary: Gymnocalycium vatteri

I love Gymnocalyciums, and these are one of my absolute favorites. With an appearance that looks like they were chiseled into shape, mild spines, and huge, showy flowers, there's a lot to love about these cacti! Species Description and Distribution Gymnocalycium...

Care Diary: Thelocactus hexaedrophorus

These incredibly slow-growing, turtle-shell looking cacti are one of those species in a collection that can be a clear indicator that you've encountered a real cactus nerd. They're uncommon (and slow growing) enough that you rarely, if ever, see them at your typical...

Care Diary: Epiphyllums, the Orchid Cactus

Unassuming in appearance, even vaguely ugly (depending on who you ask), the Orchid Cactus is an unusual looking plant whose true beauty lies in the huge, beautiful blooms they product through late spring and early summer. Depending on the species, they'll bloom only...

Surprising(ly Stinky) Stapeliads

Originally printed in the February edition of the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society newsletter. Easy San Diego Growers The genus Stapelia hails mainly from South Africa, as many of our favorite succulent species do. They’re generally low-growing, spineless, and...