Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring in a sterile media in flats and prick out when large enough to handle.

Take cuttings during summer and allow the cut area to dry in the open for several days before placing it in a well-drained media.

Divide the clump during spring.


Botanic information
Leaf: These cacti have a rounded to cylindrical trunk that have areoles that produce bristles and spines.

Flower: The funnelform to campanulate flowers appear mainly in a ring around the crown of the plant and are diurnal ans appear during early summer.

Fruit: The small globular to oblong black to red berry is spiny and contains tiny black seeds that are viable but in many cases the plant is reproduced vegetatively.

Cactus and succulent cultural notes
Outdoor Cultivation
In warm regions with low humidity, cold and frosty night`s cacti and succulents grow well outdoors. The more humid atmosphere will limit the number of successful species. All of these plants require a very well drained soil andample sunlightto succeed. Once established these plants require minimal maintenance.

Indoor Cultivation
Cacti and succulents grow well in glasshouses or near a sunny window with free air circulation and tolerate a marked difference in day and night temperatures.
Cacti have a rest period during mid winter when they can be stored in a cooler area with reduced watering, about once every two months or not at all. Protect the plants from freezing temperatures or extreme direct hot sunlight behind glass and all plants prefer a period outdoors during summer.

Watering
These plants normally have wet and dry periods. Watering should take place during the growing period of the plant. When new growth appears water well once a week and never water if the soil is already wet or place the pot in a saucer of water. Free drainage is essential for a healthy plant and succulents rot easily in moist humid conditions. When watering cactus avoid wetting the body in the sun as this will cause burning, which leads to scars or even fungal infections.

Fertilising
Cactus and succulents may vary in fertilising, requirements but generally they prefer a low nitrogen fertiliser that is rich in potassium and phosphorus and it should be apply monthly during the summer period. High nitrogen fertiliser tends to make succulent plants to soft and full of water.

Problems related to watering.
Overwatering succulents results in leaves that wilt and discolour or stems that rot. Cactus also rots quickly if the soil remains moist.
Under watering results in a sudden loss of leaves or brown and dry spots appear on the leaves or body. Succulent leaves also fall if the water is too cold.

Pots
Both clay and plastic pots are suitable. The pot should fit the plant comfortably and not be too big as it may remain moist, rotting the plant. Quarter fill the pot with broken crocs or gravel to promote good drainage. After replanting don`t water it for one week. Do not over water allow the soil to become dry before re-watering.
Re-pot only when the roots become congested in to a slightly larger pot. If the plants are very large and are difficult to re-pot replenish the surface soil and thoroughly water. Apply high potassium fertiliser monthly during summer, to encourage new growth.

Soils
For plants that are naturally found in Rocky sloping habitatsa mixture of one parts sterilised loam, one parts shredded peat, two parts, sharp gritty sand or gravel and mixed with the composed leaf mould, that is granulated.

Desert cactusthat are woolly or spiny use a potting mix of equal parts of sterilised loam, shredded sphagnum peat and gritty washed sand with the addition of one part limestone gravel all chips to assist in strong spine formation. (Never use powdered lime or chalk)