I don't know the technical terms, so excuse me ahead of time (there's technical names for the top cactus and the bottom cactus).

The reason for them being grafted together is because the red cactus (a Gymnocalycium) cannot produce its own chlorophyll (no green present in the plant to produce the food). So, the bottom cactus produces food for it.

That being said, these don't generally live very long (maybe a couple years). Some do remove the top cactus and allow the bottom cactus to produce offshoots (look like arms coming off the sides). Sometimes, this happens naturally while they're still grafted together. If you were to remove the top cactus though, it will die because it cannot produce food by itself.

Planto

there is a technical term for everything these days.. I'm better with plain english :P

I didn't know the red ones didnt produce their own food.. that being said I'll leave them alone.. I did pluck a few "babies" off the red one.. will those die now too? what if I give them plant food?

I'm pretty sure the babies will die (sorry). Plant food contains Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorous with some trace minerals. Chlorophyll is only something a plant can produce.

Planto

owell.. live and learn right?? Thanks for all your help though! I'm slowly learn the cactus tricks :P

Lol, it's okay. I won't tell you the mistakes I've made and learned from. ;)

Planto

Maybe you can try grafting the pups on a new cactus or the same plant?!?! Thoe I'm not to sure if you can actually do that or NOT, just a suggestion so they doubt just get thrown away

Wow Planto, things I never knew about this little one. Would explain why mine didn't live that long. Thx for the great info!

Chica,

Sure thing. :)

Planto