Re: Plants
 

Who knows. I've taken meat products through before and haven't been caught - but be aware that you're lying when you tick the "I am carrying plants (in my case meat) - yes/no" box and that's probably not a good way to start your PRship if caught.

I had a line prepared - are they the meat version haggises? really? oh no, I don't eat meat! I thought I picked up the veggie ones, officer - but I'm not sure how you could get out of it if caught. Carefully wrapped exotic cuttings can't just fall into your handluggage or be confused with anything else :unsure:

Re: Plants
 

I have successfully rooted xmas cacti clippings that were quite dried out.... I mean clippings that had been tucked into a folded map and found under a car seat a week later dried out. They were shrivelled up a bit but not as much as I thought they would have and the puffed back out and rooted with ease once I got them into some dirt (with very good drainage).

I just googled... it looks like having the cuttings dry out actually is beneficial as too much moisture causes rot.

http://gardenline.usask.ca/plants/cactus-3.html

Good luck. :thumbup:

Re: Plants
 

I've just found out that I can apply for a permit to import the plant so I'm going to try that and if that fails cuttings it is. It's only $35 to apply for a permit so it is worth a shot.

Thanks to all:thumbup:

Re: Plants
 

The benefits of blonde hair, eh Biiiiink? :thumbup:

Re: Plants
 

Hey great, a plant permit - where did you find out about that (sorry, being nosey again :o )

If that's a no go (& hopefully it won't be), Pea's 'dry' cuttings sounds a try.

Keep us posted & good luck :thumbup:

Arris

Re: Plants
 

I've had a look on the web for some detailed instructions. They should travel fine and I'm sure customs won't look in your hand luggage - I think they are Ok as they won't have roots or soil.

1. Take at least a 3 or 4 stem segment and twist it off at the joint. Some people do take sharp scissors and cut right at the joint - you decide on the method you'd like to use.

2. Allow cuttings to dry a minimum of 24 hours so they seal over.

3. Using 1/2 peat moss and 1/2 perlite soil mix, moisten to just moist - not wet. Plant the cutting half the depth of the first segment in the soil mix.

4. Set in a bright window or bright area outside. Mist it to keep soil from drying out completely. Don't water.

5. The cutting will wilt. Don't be alarmed. This is normal. When it starts to come back to life again - roots should be growing at this time. Any new growth on the cutting is also a sign that your cuttings is taking root.

6. When you see the above signs - you can water normally which means when the soil is dry 1" down -- water until water runs out bottom of container -- then pour off any excess water.

7. Once the cutting has grown one new segment you can start fertilizing until October 1st. Now it's time for blooms!

8. Prepare for blooming - Leave outside to get natural cooling temps at night and natural hours of daylight. If your plant is inside - keep it cool and give it light equivalent to outside daylight.

9. If you are lucky, you will get blooms the first year around Thanksgiving or Christmas. If you root early in the year, this is very possible.

10. After blooming, the plant should rest until March. Watering should be decreased - water when 2" - 3" of depth is dry before re-watering as stated above. Don't let your plant dry out completely. Do not fertilize during this dormant period.

Re: Plants
 

Apparently the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issue permits so form all completed ready to fax. I'll let you know if it works!

Re: Plants
 

My bad. Sorry, gloveman.

Re: Plants
 

Oh aren't you good - sounds like I'll have no excuse not to get it right. Thank you so very much for taking the trouble to do that. Sounds like everyone will be getting cacti for Christmas this year then!! Many,many thanks.:D

Re: Plants
 

My pleasure!

One of my only regrets about emigrating will be leaving my precious acers and fuschias behind - fortunately there seems to be plenty available on the Island. I'll just have to start again!

Joanne

Re: Plants
 

Check out at a florist and ask them about taking cuttings/what you're doing, they sell little packets of things to make cut flowers last longer, so maybe they'd have something that would work for cacti as well. Less stress for it than plain water maybe.

Re: Plants
 

I'd be very interested to hear how you get on with the permit as I have a Peony that was once part of a larger plant that belonged to my grandparents and then my parents.

Apparently as a plant it doesn't like being moved a great deal, however, we've successfully had it in two places in our garden and it is currently growing a treat and had loads of flowers last year!

And, the same as you, it is of sentimental value to me as I don't have either my grandparents or parents so I'd love to take it with me. I know it's only a plant but when it flowers the memories are very precious. And $35 is a small price to pay if you can take it in the country.

Zoe M. xxx

Re: Plants
 

I'd be interested to hear how you get on with this too, Good luck Angela, it's gotta be worth trying, oh, and this is a useful thread for others to search on in the future if needed.
Robin :)

Plant Gel - Soil Alternative
 

Re: Plants
 

You can send cuttings to your friend here via ordinary post.
Place the cuttings between a greeting card and tape them
on the card to keep them together.

I have a Christmas cactus that is so hardy that it is 12 yrs. old.

Yoong