1 April 2008
Plants from Cactus Art
Posted by Stuart under: Cacti .
Today I received an order of opuntioids from the Cactus Art nursery in Italy (cactus-art.biz).
I’d heard good things of their plants before, and although they’re far from being the cheapest, I decided to give them a go.
Their communication was excellent - I was notified as soon as the plants were dispatched - and postage charges absolutely fair. 10.35 Euros for postage probably isn’t economical if only ordering one or two plants, but as it’s a blanket rate, if you order a reasonable number, or something fairly bulky, it’s entirely reasonable.
The heaviest and most impressive plant in the delivery by far was the Pterocactus megliolii shown above. The six inches or so of stem probably constitute less than half of its mass, and its tuberous rootstock almost completely fills the 4″ pot that contains it!
Equally impressive is this nice shrubby Micropuntia tuberculosirhophalica, or Grusonia pulchella if you prefer. This is also tuberous-rooted, but not quite as extravagantly so as the Pterocactus.
All in all a really excellent delivery; the plants are superbly grown and in excellent condition. Highly recommended.
2 Comments so far...
Süleyman Demir Says:
13 May 2008 at 11:33 am.
Nice rare plants, Stuart 
I somewhat subscribe to the Cactus Art, since 2004 !. Valentino has always something new or an extraordinary form of a well known taxon. Many of my photos are in his website, either in the gallery page or in the description sheets of the plants.
By the way, I strongly recommend two other Italian nurseries: Cactoo and Panarotto. Cactoo has an enormous collection of cacti. The plants are very well grown and the service of the nursery is excellent.
I guess, you know Paolo Panarotto. There are many taxa which carry his name Although they are in synonymous status now or nomina nuda, his nursery is great, especially the special offers sections. The service is also wery good.
Keep growing,
Cheers.
Stuart Says:
13 May 2008 at 1:11 pm.
Thanks Suleyman. I’m familiar with both Cactoo and Panarotto, but have never bought plants from either. You’re right though, their selections of plants are excellent.