Propagation
Sow seed when ripe and maintain a temperature of 18ş to 21ş C. (64ş to 75ş F).

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


Botanic information
Leaf: The fleshy lanceolate leaves have margins that are serrate to entire (some with spines) and normally have an acuminate apex. The colour ranges from blue green to variegated glossy green. In poor soils the leaves become suffused in reddish colour. When the leaves are cut they exude a sticky sap that can be used for medicinal purposes as in Aloe vera.

Flower: The pendant tubulate to campanulate flowers open progressively from the base and are arranged in a terminal raceme or panicle. The colour ranges from glowing orange to scarlet red and they appearfrom early to midsummer.

Fruit: The spherical 3-celled capsule ripens from green to brown may be papery or woody and produce flat or angular seeds. The small seeds are viable but many plants are propagated vegetatively.

Outdoor Cultivation
In warm regions with low humidity, cold and frosty nights with hot sunny days 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 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.

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.