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San Antonio Cactus and 
Xerophyte Society

Established in 1977

Our mission to promote the study, propagation, conservation, protection, and public awareness of cacti and other succulent plants. 

San Antonio Cactus and 
Xerophyte Society

Monthly Meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the 
San Antonio Garden Center
3310 N. New Braunfels, 
at New Braunfels & Funston.

Meetings Include Educational Speakers, Plant Auction and Plant Raffle. Members are encouraged to participate in all club activities 
and provide additional content in the form of 
mini programs and show & tell displays.

Other Club Benefits include our monthly newsletter SACXS FACTS, club field trips, and  access to national programs through our affiliation with the Cactus & Succulent Society of America.

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Coming Soon...
The 19th Biennial Mid States Cactus and Succulent Conference

June 26, 27, and 28, 2026.

SACXS Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

7:00 PM 

at the 

San Antonio Garden Center

June
Meeting Program: 

Starting Small: The Art and Joy of Growing Cacti from Seed

Presented by Gierayl Clepper
a.k.a. 
Madame Cacti

Presentation Description:

Growing cacti from seed is one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby. In this presentation, I'll share the methods, successes, mistakes, and lessons I've learned from raising thousands of cactus seedlings over the years.We'll explore seed sowing techniques, germination conditions, soil mixes, watering, lighting, transplanting, and some of the common challenges growers face during the early stages of growth. While Astrophytum is my primary focus and will be featured throughout the presentation, many of the principles discussed can be applied to other cactus genera as well.More importantly, we'll talk about the patience, observation, and appreciation that come from growing plants from the very beginning. My hope is that attendees leave feeling inspired and confident to start their own seed-growing journey, regardless of their experience level.

—Gierayl Clepper

 

Visitors are Welcome!
Want to Find Out More About SACXS? Be Our Guest at the September 17, 2025 Meeting.

SACXS Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of Each Month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels in San Antonio. 

Meetings also feature Auction & Raffle Plants

Speaker Biography

My name is Gierayl Clepper, and I'm the grower behind Madam Cacti in Brazoria, Texas. I've always been fascinated by spineless, colorful, and miniature cacti. What started as a simple interest eventually grew into a passion for collecting, growing, and raising cacti from seed. While Astrophytum is my primary focus and favorite genus, I also enjoy growing many other cactus species and observing how they develop from tiny seedlings into mature plants.Most of the plants I grow today started from seed, and one of my favorite parts of the hobby is watching the incredible variation that can appear as plants mature over the years. Growing cacti has taught me patience, observation, and an appreciation for the slow journey of plant development. I don't consider myself an expert—I'm still learning every day—but I enjoy sharing my experiences, successes, and mistakes with fellow growers. I'm excited to meet everyone and talk about one of my favorite topics: growing cacti from seed.

Here's What You Will Learn at the Meeting...

General Info about SACXS events and the Legacy Project.
Interesting facts about cacti and succulents in general.
How to join and get involved in the club
 

Meeting will also include a plant auction and plant raffle.

SACXS:  Not Only a Club, Also a Non Profit

apply

High School Seniors and Eligible College Students Application Deadline:  
April 30th, 2026.
Click Here for Larry Murphy Scholarship
Click Here for Paul Kibler Scholarship

Nominate an individual, business, or organization for recognition

Educational organizations may apply

Current Board Members

Nominations from membership begin in September and appointments are voted in at the November general meeting

President
 

Program Director

Alyssa Danna

programs@sacxs.org

Treasurer
 

Doug Coates

Membership
Director

Ron Andring

 

Recording Secretary

Virgil Duncan

Field Trips

Ron Andring

Publicity 
Director

Andrew Awalt

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