Orange County Cactus and Succulent Society
When: Wednesday, August 26th, 2026
Social time starts at 7:00 pm
Meeting starts at 7:30 pm
Location: Anaheim United Methodist Church
1000 State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA. 92806
(Meeting location is at the South East corner of the Church)
Visitors welcome!
Join us as we welcome Al Klein, presenting: Growing Fat Plants.
Presentation: Growing Fat Plants.
Of all the succulents available in the market place, my favorite type is “Fat Plants” or caudiciforms. These plants are characterized by a part of the plant that basically is swollen and used for water storage and from this part a thin vine or stem grows. A perfect example of this is Dioscorea elephantipes, however there are many other plants that fall into this classification, such as Euphorbias. It is a broad classification that can also include Pachycaul trees, such as Ficus palmeri. Other plants also have caudexes such as cycads; however, these plants will be reserved for a discussion another time. In my opinion “Fat Plants” are some of the most unusual plants on this planet. These magical plants have found a way to adapt to some of the most inhospitable environments our world has to offer. As a result of these adaptations, they can be a challenge to grow, duplicating natural growing conditions, while growing in containers. For myself this is the attraction!
There are many species that are perfect for first time growers, such as, many forms of Euphorbias, Dioscorea, Cyphostemmas, cucurbits, Pachypodiums, and a plethora of other species to many to mention here. My personal favorite is Dioscorea elephantipes. This is the plant that started it all for me! I had recently moved to California and was visiting a houseplant store in a strip mall, when there it was, a plant that looked like a tortoise with a vine growing out of it, I was hooked!
Biography:
Al’s interest in the natural world started in his childhood. Growing up in Chicago he would make regular visits to Field Museum of Natural History, and read books on the natural sciences. His favorite hobbies were growing exotic plants like cacti, and collecting fossils, minerals, and insects.
After moving to California at the age of 17 he found his passion in plants. He was amazed at the diversity and beauty of the flora of California. He was employed by South Shores Nursery in San Clemente California while attending California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture with emphasis in landscape design and retail nursery management.
After graduation he was hired by Rodgers Gardens in Corona Del Mar, California. Within a year he was promoted to Nursery Manager. Soon Al had the opportunity to start a new business. He was asked to help open a nursery-gift shop in Escondido California, called Canterbury Gardens and Gifts. Soon after he was asked to be a partner in the business. Al recently retired from Canterbury Gardens after 35 years of service. Al is now running his nursery business, Botanic Wonders full time, his true passion! Botanic Wonders specializes in growing and selling of rare and exotic plants, including cacti, cycads, and rare succulents.