Brazilian Water Cactus

[Craig]

Was given this when I visited a friend's nursey in Miami.  I had my doubts about the veracity of the name, but Jim has been in the industry far longer than I and is still repected for his honesty.<g>  That and he described it growing around the seasonal ponds that are home to the annual killiefish called the Argentine Pearl Fish.

I have it growing in shallow standing water and what can I say, it was happy enough to give me a bloom.

While my wife reported no fragrance from the water cactus, she tracked me down to complain about the aroma from the Stapelia cactus.<g>  It is pollinated by flies and smell like spoiled meat.

[Julles]

That's growing in WATER?!  I was at a friend's house just yesterday, and she has one (the bottom one), and it's growing in her succulent rock garden.

She told me the same story about stinking to attract flies.  In fact, she said that when the bloom was fresh, the flies were so thick around the garden that you couldn't be near there. 

[landey1230]

Very unique.  I couldn't imagine the smell, though.   

[HOWELL]

My grandma has like the ones in the bottom...

[Vickie]

I  have one like the second one. Mine is called Star Cactus, as the common name.

[Teresa]

I have to say that my Brazilian Water Cactus has done well in the water we have around here these days . . . . there is no longer a shortage of water or a drought or even water restrictions in Atlanta.

[Craig]

Interesting......I was sure the Water Cactus would be of more interest than the common Stapelia.  Just the oxymoronic concept of a "water" cactus was what got me interested in to begin with.

Lol.....had no idea you would be trialing it for surviving flooded conditions, but then that is what brings the Pearl Fish back, so the cactus must experience them.  I had more in mind a trial for surviving the colder temps.  Jim had told me it made it through 24 F, but that would have been for a short time.  I wonder if it will survive your winter.  And no pampering...it can/will be replaced it the trial fails.<g>

[Mikey]

And what caught my interest was what appears to be your VERY sandy soil.  I thought I had sandy soil until I saw your soil....

[Teresa]

I checked the cactus and it has all kinds of new leaves - so I'm guessing it really liked the flood!  We've had another couple of inches of rain today, so if it wasn't wet enough before, it should be now!

[Esther]

Odd it's called a cactus. It certainly doesn't resemble one. Does it have any prickers?

[Teresa]

If by 'prickers' you mean thorns, then yes, it has them aplenty!