Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring in flats and maintain a temperature of 10ş to 20ş C. (50ş to 68ş F). Prick out when large enough to handle and pot up.

Culture
They are sensitive to excessive moisture and in adequate light levels. If temperatures fall below 16ş C place in glasshouse or protected area and water should be restricted during winter.


Botanic information
Leaf: Generally these cacti have a rounded to cylindrical trunk with large ribs with areoles along the margins that produce red, yellow and brown to white spines that may be hooked.

Flower: The yellow to red flowers are funnelform to campanulate with a scaly floral tube and numerous stamens. The flowers may not appear on the plant for the first 12 years and then open for several days. They are normally arranged towards the top centre of the plant and grow from the side of young areoles consecutively throughout the summer.

Fruit: The persistent oblong berry is indehiscent or opens from a basal pore and has a fleshy exocarp. The small black soft seeds are pitted. The seeds are viable but the plant may be reproduced vegetatively.

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.