Here are pictures of the two painted cactus plants I received as a present. I posted pictures a few weeks ago. I repotted them and can see an improvement. The Thimble cactus, Mammillaria gracilis fragilis, has a bloom. The other, Cereus peruvianus monstrose has not grown as much but I am beginning to see patches of green. I also included a picture of the label which describes the coloring. I was at Lowes today and noticed that these painted cactus plants are not selling. I also told one of the managers what I thought about painted plants-- not that will make any difference.

Anole

I would wish they'd listen, but they probably won't. These are really ugly to me. I love the plant in it's natural state.

It might be non-toxic but I bet it makes photosynthesizing a lot more difficult. The garish colors do not encourage me to buy them but considering how fast they sell out, somebody likes them. Can't wait for the dyed chicks to come out at Easter..

DaisyI said:It might be non-toxic but I bet it makes photosynthesizing a lot more difficult. The garish colors do not encourage me to buy them but considering how fast they sell out, somebody likes them. Can't wait for the dyed chicks to come out at Easter..

Arghh! I hate the dyed chicks!

I spotted this one yesterday

They painted the Ferocactus? I think I'm going to cry...

I know. Criminal.

Here's an update on my painted cactus, we are getting warm weather in south La. and it appears the little cactus is showing signs of growth. I don't see anything appealing about having this plant painted especially as it starts to grow. I am hoping that the paint will disappear over time but for the moment it is still there. I will keep taking pictures as we warm up to continue our experiment.

Anole

Is the more completely painted pink one showing signs of life?

I'm afraid the other cactus that is painted pink is dying. I have not given up but it doesn't look good.

anole

I so wish people wouldn't buy these abominations. I thought glued on straw flowers was the limit...

TY so much for the updates. So many are curious what becomes of these painted plants. The painted thimble cacti I've seen only had the spines painted.

The only thing that bothers me about painting plants is that I haven't seen these same plants available UNpainted. I'd buy a healthy looking pot of thimble cactus or those awesome bigger Echeveria rosettes in a heartbeat if I ever see one UNpainted. The unpainted plants are always either tiny (or in group pots with glued surface rocks in a pot without a hole.) If they're going to paint &/or group-ruin all specimens of certain types of plants, I'm hugely disappointed and don't have a budget for a plant of questionable survivability like that.

Here's an update on my painted cactus, paint is fading and cactus is doing well. One day all the paint will be gone. I have not seen any more of these for sale at Lowe's-yet.
Anole

It looks great! I'm not willing to pay for a plant that I have to wait a year for it to look normal, but it's very good to know it's possible.

There should be a protection group for plants like they have for animals. I remember when I was a kid about 55 - 60 years ago they use to sell small painted turtles. Kind of the same they are damaging a natural thing to make money.

Painted cacti and painted chicks.

Then again have you seen people's hair these days?

No accounting for taste or the lack of it.
AG

Nothing makes me more angry than painted plants and those stupid flowers they glue on the top of cacti.