Alan wrote about Steven Hammer's bulbs with spiky leaves: > I notice in these photos and previous ones... > there is a fine gravel or grit - is this just a topping on > the growing media or does the entire media consist of this? I have not seen the plants in question in person, but Steven Hammer usually top-dresses his plants with this gravel. Most succulent growers do something similar. Leo Martin Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America I certify there are no abbreviations in this message