Propagation
Seed propagation is the normal method and is carried out in trays during autumn. Maintain a temperature of 18ş to 21ş C. (64ş to 75ş F). Take care not to over water.

Divide the offsets with roots attached from late spring to early summer. Take stem cuttings during spring and allow the wounds to dry for 3-weeks prior to planting into a very well drained media.

Botanic information
Leaf: The thick succulent broad lanceolate leaves are deeply channelled with recurved margins that are armed with reddish-brown pungent spines. The base clasps the stem and the apex in long acuminate with a sharp spine. They are arranged in a terminal rosette and are upright at first then spreading and the spent leaves persist on the plant.

Flower: The yellow-orange tubulate flowers are swollen towards the centre to 7mm (Ľ in) and have prominent exserted orange stamens that are up to 15mm (? in) long. They have a short pedicle and are arranged densely in 6-15 cylindrical racemes that are held above the foliage in a candelabra-like panicle that is up to 1.25m (4 ft) tall and appear during late winter.

Fruit: The small loculicidal capsule contains numerous small seeds that disbursed by wind. The small seeds are viable but the plant can with some difficulty be reproduced vegetatively.

Note:
This perennial naturally occurs in region with summer rainfall and if grown in a container it should be watered once a week during summer and not at all during winter. Under cultivation it grows up to 300 mm (1 ft) tall per year and it may require support.

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 some ventilation tolerating 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, once every two months. Protect the plants from freezing temperatures or extreme direct hot sunlight behind glass. All plants prefer a period outdoors during summer.

Watering
These plants normally have wet and dry periods. Watering should take place during the growing periodof 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.

Problems related to watering.
Overwatering succulents results in leaves that wilt and discolour or stems that rot.
Under watering results in a sudden loss of leaves or brown and dry spots on the leaves. 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. Water only when the soil has dried.
Re-pot only when necessary in to a slightly larger pot for older plants. If the plants are very large replenish the surface soil and thoroughly water.