What are these pink pieces at the top of my cactus? thanks. I have been gardening for a long time but I am an impulse gardener. I have not been too interested in plant identification in the past but I have started to get more organized and educated. This website looks like it could help me out a lot.

John

anole! They are buds. Is that a Turk's Cap cactus? Looks like it could be.

Looks to me like fruit, which is the remanents of pollinated flowers. There should be seeds in them, but I don't know anything about sowing cacti seeds. Definitely a Turk's cap and a mighty fine specimen at that.

Planto

That is a Turk's cap and you're really lucky it's making flowers!!!! That is a rare, valuable plant. Save the seeds! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for all your comments, I have had this plant for several years it has produced these pink things (sorry-I don't know what to call them) several times. It also produces a small flower at times. My next question is -- what do I do with these pink things? I will look to see if there are seeds, let me look and I'll get back with you.

Thanks again for everyone's help, I truly appreciate the information

Anole

Anole,
You could attempt to pot the seeds and make new cacti, but growing from seeds is something in and of itself. Some cacti are easier to grow from seed than others and their care requirements can also vary depending on the cactus.

Sadly, I don't know much about growing cacti from seeds or specifically, growing your type of cactus from seeds. I do remember unlike their adult counterparts, most seedlings need constant moisture. Other than that, .

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Planto

I sliced open one of the pink things, and it appears there are seeds in them. I have no experience in growing cactus from seeds and will probably just let these fall in the yard. I really don't have the time to start another seed project as I have lots of other things taking up my time.

Thanks to all for everyone's interest and help. I will have more questions about my other cactus plant.

Anole