Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring and maintain a temperature of 18ş to 21ş C. (64ş to 75ş F).

Takes stem cuttings of non-flowering shoots during spring and dip the cut end into lukewarm water to stop the milky sap from bleeding.

Note:
Contact with the milky sap may cause skin and eye irritation.


Botanic information
Leaf: The rudimentary lanceolate leaves fall soon after developing and are not normally seen. The small blackish cactus-like thorns are curved and are arranged in pairs along the ridges.

Flower: The tiny apetalous female flowers have a single pistil and are accompanied with several male flowers each with a single stamen. Both are enclosed in an involucre (cyathium) surrounded by large showy red-green petaloid bracts and appear during summer.

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


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)