These red, and other colored, gymnos cannot produce chlorophyll and are grafted on Hylocereus understock. That is the understock growing. You can remove both of those side shoots, and in fact should, or they will take over. They will root if you wish. But be prepared...they grow HUGE and in a very short time. Hylocereus has the largest flowers of all the cacti, I think, and are night blooming.

Dave

These plants are not without their exciting moments.

I bought/rescued one about three years ago. It rewards me every summer with many, many flowers. It's blooming again today.

Al

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Shot with NIKON D50 at 2007-07-04