Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring in a gritty loam based compost and maintain a temperature of 19ş to 27ş C. (66ş to 81ş F).

Divide mature offsets with their own roots during spring.


Botanic information
Leaf: These plants have a rounded to cylindrical trunk with areoles that produce bristles and yellow to white spines.

Flower: The red, yellow, white or pink funnelform flowers appear mainly in a ring around the crown of the plant during summer and may be diurnal.

Fruit: The small berry-like fruit is oblong-ovoid to club shape and is light green to red in colour. The seeds are viable but the plant may be reproduced vegetatively in order to maintain true to type.

Culture
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.