Nice September Treat

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
rockminer Scott Bar, CA(Zone 6a) Sep 05, 2015

I failed to open my greenhouse last tuesday and fried more than a few plants, philodendrons, hoyas and such. My cacti and most succulents survived my stupidity quite handily. Some lay down flat for a few days but stood back up and now appear unaffected. The thermometer was about waist high and pegged at 140 deg when I got home and realized what I had done!

Obviously this Astrophytum did not mind a whole lot. First pic was yesterday and second about 5 minutes ago. The third pic is Mammilaria decipiens camptotricha.

Bill

Thumbnail by rockminer Thumbnail by rockminer Thumbnail by rockminer
Post #10138074
Quote
DaisyPlantLady Reno, NV(Zone 6b) Sep 05, 2015

My greenhouse hits 110 on a regular basis but its never gotten to 140! I'm also in Zone 6. Are you the ventilation system? I was thinking of installing a swamp cooler in mine.

I'm glad you saved the cactus, especially those two. Great plants!

Daisy

Post #10138081
Quote
rockminer Scott Bar, CA(Zone 6a) Sep 05, 2015

Hi Daisy,

Yes, I'm it! Usually pretty conscientious about seeing to the gh. Had a caretaker cook it about 6 years ago when I had a lot of orchids. I think this time it was well above 140--The blast of heat when I opened the door actually hurt when it hit me. The only things I'm still worried about are a Fockia capensis and my Epiphyllums who look stressed. A ficus bonsai lost its leaves and a couple of Portulacaria bonsais lost about half theirs but are apparently going to be ok. I hope!

I do have a swamp cooler but rarely run it this time of year. I just got in a rush and forgot to open the door. My super bad!

Bill

Post #10138096
Quote
NancySLAZ Sun Lakes, AZ(Zone 9b) Sep 05, 2015

Those Epis probably are not happy at all. I can not grow them here in Phoenix. They hate the high heat!

Post #10138117
Quote
helenchild Decatur, GA Sep 05, 2015

Too bad rockminer. Sorry to hear about your bad luck and loss. Can you put a vent opener on timers to auto open every 24hours or some such system?
Anyway your pictured plants are gorgeous.

Post #10138125
Quote
rockminer Scott Bar, CA(Zone 6a) Sep 05, 2015

Thanks for writing Nancy. The Epis are showing some fine wrinkling. This photo is after cutting the browned 2/3 of the plant off. The other pic is from earlier this year, in happier times!

Helen, The gh is built of 2 foot by 8 foot solid thermopane panels so I can't cut any more holes. Perhaps a heat sensing door opener? I'll look into that. Thanks.

Bill

Thumbnail by rockminer Thumbnail by rockminer
Post #10138177
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Cacti and Succulents Threads

Go to all Cacti and Succulents threads
BACK TO TOP