Propagation
Sow fresh seed during early spring and pre-soak seeds in heated water 13ş to 18şC (55ş-64şF) for 24 hours. Seeds may require scarification.
Divided plant segments in spring.


Botanic information
Leaf: The obovate to oblong thick segments are up to 300 mm (1 ft) long and the small areoles have 1-2 thin needle-like spines.
Note
The numerous minute glochids are hair-like and are easily dislodge from the plant. Care should be taken as they become stuck to the skin causing considerable discomfort and are difficult to see or remove.

Flower: The flowers are funnelform to crateriform shape and produced from areoles that are on the tips or sides of the segments during daylight from early to midsummer.

Fruit: The edible berry is obovoid to spherical and may have spines. The fruit colour is green, yellow to red with seeds that are smooth and white. The seeds are viable but the plant may be 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)