Propagation
Sow fresh seed during early spring in pots and place in a cold frame to germinate. Seed grown plants form a denser rounded habit.

Divide during early spring.

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


Botanic information
Leaf: The tiny leaves are sometimes seen on the new growth and fall early from the plant. The plant photosynthesis along the stems that are up to 75mm (3in) long and have 12 to 16 angled, ridged tubercles.

Flower: The minute unisexual apetalous flowers are solitary or arranged in 2-flowered cyme that is sessile or has a short peduncle. The flowers have no perianth segments and the small cyme is inclosed in a cup-shaped involucre of petaloid bracts (cyathia). They appear from late spring to early summer.

Fruit:


Culture
Succulents are easy to care for pot plants and are excellent as children`s first houseplant. They can tolerate a great deal of neglect and mismanagement allowing beginners to tune their horticulture talents.

These plants prefer hot days and cool nights and during winter tolerate temperatures that fall to 4.5şC (40şF). Bright indirect light is essential and if grown in full sun some shade is required.
When watering allow the compost to dry a little before re-watering. Reduce watering during winter to once a month. The soil must be well drained and never allow it to become boggy as this will result in the plant rotting. Misting the leaves is not required and the plants prefer fresh air. Houseplants should be placed near an open window.

When re-potting select a shallow pot that is just larger than the current one and pot up during spring in a loam based gritty potting mix.

General plant symptoms
Stem elongation is normally the result of too much water or lack of light. Rotate the plant to even growth and place in a brighter position.

Brown spotson the leaves is an indication of under-watering, be certain that the soil is well drained and water regular, as succulents require ample moisture during summer.

Defoliation suddenly results from watering with cold water. The plants prefer tepid water or the plant loose leaves from under-watering.