Best Cactus at the Show

The Judges showed especial superiority by not choosing one of those big Mmm thingies and a 6" Aztekium ritteri entered in class 56 (one Cactus) gained the diploma card.

How can a 6" cactus be the best? I have no problem here. Small seedlings of the species are available for a few pounds but growth is imperceptibly slow. Did this plant originate, years ago, from the wild in Mexico when the plant was widely collected for trade? (It is illegal now). Is it, was it, grafted? We cannot tell. All we see is a very choice, very slow cactus species of great age in top condition. Well grown!

After the Show several experienced growers and judges mentioned that perhaps that Machaerocereus was the better plant. Do you award bonus points for difficulty of staging? Should six feet be better that six inches? Not in 2004. Perhaps next time?