Agave Snout Weevil, Coming to a Garden Near You

– Posted in: Succulents

Agave snout weevil is a half-inch-long black beetle with a downward-curving proboscis that enables it to pierce an agave’s core, where it lays its eggs. Grubs hatch, consume the agave’s heart, then burrow into the soil to pupate. The weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus)—once prevalent only in desert regions and Mexico—is spreading rapidly throughout the US and[...]

Debra’s Cactus Cupcakes

– Posted in: Succulents

You’ve seen cupcakes that look like cactus. Isn’t it time cactus looked like cupcakes? I came up with the idea when I was hosting a gathering of succulent-loving friends.  It led to my latest video, “Cactus Cupcakes,” in which I show how domino cacti (echinopsis) are easily transformed into party favors. Each fetching little cactus is nestled in a silicone cupcake[...]

Kids + Succulents = A New Generation of Gardeners

– Posted in: Succulents

One of the most popular areas of the recent Los Angeles Drought Tolerant Plant Festival was the “Kid’s Day” section. I was very impressed by the educational exhibits, activities, and volunteers—all members of the Los Angeles Cactus & Succulent Society, a community-oriented organization now in its 80th year. I’ll soon release the video footage I[...]