Propagation
Sow fresh seeds of hardy species during autumn and placed in a cold frame to germinate. Annual species are sown during spring and maintain a temp of 13ş-16ş C.

Divide established clumps during spring.
Take a leaf or root cuttings during late spring.


Botanic information
Leaf: The fleshy terminal leaves are tubular or angled lanceolate or elliptical and commonly tinged in red.

Flower: The stellate flowers are arranged in a cluster or a cyme that may be flat-topped. The colours including red, yellow, white, and pink and they appear from spring to summer.

Fruit: The small star-shaped follicle produces the numerous seeds and the seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively. All parts of the plant if ingested it may cause a stomach upset and contact with the sap may irritate the skin.

Culture
Most of the succulents are indigenous to semi-arid environments with long dry periodsfollowed by a short wet period. The plants swell absorbing water during these wet periods and reduce evaporation by having a waxy cover over the leaves or the leaves are crowded together in a rosette. Hairs and spines (modified leaves) also reduce the evaporation of water and most succulents form rounded shapes to reduce the surface area of the plant.
The size of the plant and flowering period is difficult to predict with succulents as the environmental factors such as weather and light variations control the flowering period. Soil type and available moisture influence the growth.

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 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.