Propagation
Surface sow fresh seed from spring to summer in pots and cover them finely with quartz grit, then moisten. Lay a piece of glass over the pot and maintain a temperature of 10ş to 20ş C. (50ş to 68ş F). Remove glass after germination, and then prick out when large enough to handle and pot up.

Take cuttings during the growing period by removing a piece of the stem and allowing it to lay aside for a few days so the protective skin (callous) can form over the cut.

Plant up into a well-drained media, where they receive ample light and water sparingly at first. As roots develop the plant may be watered more regularly, but never allow the soil to be constantly wet.

Note:
Use gloves when handling the plant to protect your hands from spines and glochids.


Botanic information
Leaf: The areoles are dull brown with up to 30 radial spines and 5-longer central spines. The spines are arranged densely in the flowering zone on mature plants.

Flower: The profuse yellowish tubular flowers appear directly from the stem on older plants. The tube is covered in small scales and the scale-like perianth segments are slightly expanded. They are pollinated by humming birds during summer.

Fruit: The small fleshy berry is pinkish-orange in colour and contains numerous small seeds that are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.


General information
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)