Mammillaria longiflora ssp stampferi

A bit slower to open than my ssp. longiflora.

I thought that I was late with my plants in flower, but you beat me Chris. Is this normal for you or is flowering season started later?

My plants do seem to be later this year, and I don't really know why. When I compare my notes from previous years, things are about 3 weeks later in general. I did reduce the temperature in the greenhouse for the winter to a minimum of 5C rather the 7C of previous years, to try to keep the costs down - and be "Green" as well. But also I have some overhanging tall Scots Pine trees, and it may be that the shade on my greenhouse is getting too much, and keeping light levels down. I know I have to get the tree cutters in to remove a couple of very big leylandii, and they can do some climbing as well and sort the pine trees out. It will keep the greenhouse roof cleaner as well, as the grey squirrels sit up there and gorge themselves on the pine cones, and do what is natural after eating.

Can't you use this as a fertilizer, Chris?

I do, in a way, as the rainwater from the affected section of the roof drains into a barrel from which I water my small vegetables. I haven't yet tried it on my plants, I prefer to use things I at least recognise! But so far there's not been a problem with my courgettes (at least last year - too early here yet).