Propagation
Seeds should be pre-soak at a temperature of 21° C (70°F) prior to sowing in a very well drained media. Place a piece of glass over the container until seeds germinate. Prick out when large enough to handle into pots, and grow them on for two seasons.

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

Botanic information
Leaf: There are no spines and the yellow-white areoles are arranged on paddle-shaped segments that have short bristles (glochids). The segments are up to150mm (2˝in) long and have a thick fleshy texture.

Flower: The bright yellow diurnal crateriform flowers age to pink and have white filaments and style. They appear on the upper part of the segment normally in succession during summer.

Fruit: The red to purplish spherical to ovoid fleshy berry is spineless and up to 16 mm (? in) wide. The tan coloured spherical whitish seeds are slightly flattened and 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)