By Elton Roberts
Tuesday, October 16, 7:00 pm

Ariocarpus is a small but remarkable genus of Mexican & Texan cacti that stand out in the crowd because of their distinctive appearance and showy flowers in the fall. Master grower and cactus expert Elton Roberts, who lives in Ripon, CA, will show pictures of his spectacular plants and tell all about how he does it. Elton has this to say:

I have been asked how I grow Ariocarpus so well, and was asked to do a program on growing them. People from different clubs have commented on my large and beautiful plants and have wanted to know the secret of my success. So I will try and tell what I do to grow the plants at my place.

I have been growing cactus and succulents for about 70 years. Someone came to our home when I was about 5 years old. They brought a cut of an Aeonium and they wanted to give it to my folks. Somehow it was handed to me and I guess I was told to plant it. I dug a hole up against the back of the house and put the cutting in it as I guess I was told. The cutting grew into a nice large plant and I remember it blooming with wonderful yellow flowers. By that time the plant that started out as a stem cut about 6 inches long was about 4 feet tall. That, along with my grandad taking us out to the Anza Borrego Desert several times a year, was the beginning of my love of “Desert” plants.

Elton will also be the Featured Grower this month.

What to bring:

For this month’s Show & Tell table, we will feature Ariocarpus, Astrophytum and Aztekium on the cactus side, and Asclepiads on the succulent side (Asclepiads include the Stapeliads, as well as other succulent milkweed relatives, such as Ceropegias, Brachystelmas, Hoyas and Fockeas) and anything else looking good to share.

Please bring baked goodies, fruit, snack food or a beverage if your last name begins with the letters S to Z and A to B, and any other members who would like to contribute this month.

Meeting Location:

Auditorium in the San Francisco County Fair Building, 1199 9th Ave (at Lincoln Way), San Francisco — MAP