Propagation
Surface sow fresh seed from spring to summer in pots and cover them finely with quartz grit, then moisten. Lay 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.

Botanic information
Leaf: The areoles contain 12-20 almost straight radial spines and 4-flattish central spines up to 150 mm (6 in) long that are stiff and fierce with a pungent hooked apex.

Flower: The funnelform flowers have lanceolate tepals with a darker red central marking are arranged in a ring around the apex at the side of young areolesand only appear on mature plants that are over 10 years old during summer.

Fruit: The small berry is ovoid and fleshy and contains numerous viable soft seeds.