Propagation
Take stem cuttings from spring to summer and apply bottom heat. Use a very well-drained gritty media.


Botanic information
Leaf: The spines are arranged in opposite pairs along the undulating tapered ribs of the branches.
The branches are the main source of photosynthesis as the ephemeral leaves quickly wither and fall off.

Flower: The male and female flowers are arranged in a cup-shaped involucre-like organ that has small yellow bracts. The male flower have a single stamen and the female consists of a 3-celled pistil. The flowers are arranged at the end of the branches on short stalks.

Fruit: The 3-valve brown oval capsule is an explosive schizocarp and contains the numerous seeds. Small seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively to maintain true to type.


General cultivation
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.

Desert cactusthat are woolly or spiny use a potting mix of equal parts of sterilised loam, shredded sphagnum peat and gritty washed sand with the addition of one part limestone gravel all chips to assist in strong spine formation. (Never use powdered lime or chalk)