Learning

A cactus with thin light green pads tinted purple with stress coloration, and several-inch long spines

How to deal with cactus spines

How to touch 'em, how to not touch 'em, and what to do if you've touched 'em—all by a person who currently has several spines embedded in them.

How to deal with cactus spines

How to touch 'em, how to not touch 'em, and what to do if you've touched 'em—all by a person who currently has several spines embedded in them.

Detail of the surface of a chalcedony geode with a crack full of glue

Repaired minerals and how to identify them

Repairs are routine in the mineral industry. Learn what is normal and how to identify repairs.

Repaired minerals and how to identify them

Repairs are routine in the mineral industry. Learn what is normal and how to identify repairs.

Looking down into a terrarium with dead leaves and moss, with two yellow mushrooms and a yellow-spotted isopod

Eight practical things to know about pet isopods

Weird smells. Soil gnats. Isopod addiction. Do you know what you're getting into with pet isopods?

Eight practical things to know about pet isopods

Weird smells. Soil gnats. Isopod addiction. Do you know what you're getting into with pet isopods?

Detail of stems on a huernia melting due to root rot

Stapeliad disease: root rot

Stapeliads tend to be hardy, but can succumb to root rot if they aren't cared for correctly.

Stapeliad disease: root rot

Stapeliads tend to be hardy, but can succumb to root rot if they aren't cared for correctly.

Detail of a color illustration of several stapeliad succulents in terra cotta pots in a window-sill, with a bubble showing a close up of a mealybug infestation

Stapeliad pests: mealybugs

Mealybugs are a pest to many cacti and succulents, including stapeliads. Know thy enemy.

Stapeliad pests: mealybugs

Mealybugs are a pest to many cacti and succulents, including stapeliads. Know thy enemy.

A large leaf that has been skeletonized by bugs

Help, I think my isopods might have all died!

Okay, before you panic, a lot of people get spooked about this when they have a new culture. Are you worried because you haven’t seen them in a long time?

Help, I think my isopods might have all died!

Okay, before you panic, a lot of people get spooked about this when they have a new culture. Are you worried because you haven’t seen them in a long time?