Propagation
Sow fresh seeds during early spring and maintain 21ş C.

Divided offsets or the whole plant during spring and pot up into a very well drained media and take care of the roots as the plant Is pulled apart.

Take root or leaf cuttings from spring to summer and place in a very well-drained media.

Botanic information
Leaf: The glossy dark green flattish lanceolate triangular leaves are thick and fleshy and are up to 230 mm (9 in) long by 65 mm (2˝ in) wide. The waxy upper surface as whitish spots and on the underside the spots for irregular transverse bands. The purplish entire margin is lined with white spots and the apex is acute with a pungent tip.

Flower: The red to orange curved tubular flowers are slightly inflated at the base and tubular towards the tips. They have a short pedicle and dangle off a tall raceme that is held high above the foliage on a slender scape that is up to 1 m (3 ft) and appear during midsummer.

Fruit: The small 3-valved capsule contains numerous tiny seeds that are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively to maintain true to type.

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 with ample air spaces andample sunlightto succeed. Once established they require minimal maintenance.

Indoor Cultivation
Cacti and succulents grow well in glasshouses or near a sunny window with free air circulation and tolerate 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, about once every two months or not at all. Protect the plants from freezing temperatures or extreme direct hot sunlight behind glass and all plants prefer a period outdoors during summer.

Watering
These plants normally have wet and dry periods. Watering should take place during the growing periodof 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. When watering cactus avoid wetting the body in the sun as this will cause burning, which leads to scars or even fungal infections.

Fertilising
Cactus and succulents may vary in fertilising, requirements but generally they prefer a low nitrogen fertiliser that is rich in potassium and phosphorus and it should be apply monthly during the summer period. High nitrogen fertiliser tends to make succulent plants to soft and full of water.

Problems related to watering.
Over-watering succulents and cacti results in leaves that wilt and discolour or stems rot. Cactus and succulents also rots quickly if the soil remains moist and dislikes humid conditions which promote fungal infection.
Under watering may results in a sudden loss of leaves or brown and dry spots appear on the leaves or body. Succulent leaves are also shed 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. Quarter fill the pot with broken crocs or gravel to promote good drainage. After replanting don`t water it for one week. Do not over-water allow the soil to become dry before re-watering.
Re-pot only when the roots become congested in to a slightly larger pot. If the plants are very large and are difficult to re-pot replenish (top dress) the surface soil and thoroughly water. Apply high potassium fertiliser monthly during summer for cacti and in the cooler months for succulents, to encourage new growth.

Soils
For plants that are naturally found in rocky sloping habitatsa mixture of one parts sterilised loam, one parts shredded peat, two parts, sharp gritty sand or gravel and mixed with the composed leaf mould, that is granulated.

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)