Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring on gritty loam bases compost and maintain a temperature of 19ş to 27ş C. (66ş to 81ş F).

Divide mature offsets with there own roots during spring.


Botanic information
Leaf: The areoles have up to 20 white radial hair-like radial spines up to 15mm (?in) long and 3 to 5 brown tipped central spines up to 8mm (Ľin) long. The 10mm (3/16in) tall tubercles are arranged spirally around the stem and contain milky juice.

Flower: The diurnal carmine salverform flowers are arranged in a ring around the crown and are up to 20mm (ľin) wide and high. They appear during summer.

Fruit: The small ovoid berry is persistent on the plant and the tiny seeds are viable but the plant is commonly 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)