Mini-Show Cactus for November: North American Columnar Cacti (Saguaro, Cereus, etc.)
Mini-Show Succulent for November: Senecio, Caputia, Curio, and hybrids

Keith Taylor began collecting caudiciform succulents in 1991 after seeing a large Cyphostemma juttae in the ground at a local botanical garden. “I was drawn to size and grotesque shape of the trunk”. The Cyphostemma he saw is also the first succulent he purchased. His collection numbers more than 800 plants. He grows in plastic pots and raised beds. Keith prefers his succulents to look like habitat specimens rather than cultivated plants. He grows them hard, meaning limited water, little to no feeding, and hot sun to give them the look of collected plants. His favorites include Cyphostemma, Fockea, Fouquieria, Pachypodium, Pachycormus, Tylecodon, Othonna, Pelargonium, Mesembs, and Euphorbia. Roughly five % of his collection is tuberous rooted cacti, Lophophora, Peniocereus, Turbinicarpus, Mammillaria, Leuchtenbergia and Ariocarpus. In 2008, Keith began creating pots to show off his plants. He believes the pot should complement, not distract. The main focus should be the succulent. If the pot is too ornate, colorful, or shiny, it draws your eye toward the pot rather than the succulent. Also, proportion plays a role. The container needs to be the right width and depth to look balanced. For example, if the succulent is placed in the center of the container surrounded by colorful stones it will look artificial and awkward. Rocks and topdressing add to complete the presentation. Keith’s pottery is sought after by cactus and succulent collectors as well as bonsai artists due to the natural look of the containers.  Keith sells his work at C&S clubs and shows, bonsai clubs, online through Instagram, and his website. He accepts custom orders and ships worldwide.

Keith’s website is: https://palmstreet.app/u/kitoi?pr=Wh5hYdaH
Keith’s Instagram page is: instagram.com/kitoi