Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring and maintain a temperature of 18ş to 21ş C. (64ş to 75ş F).

Divide offsets when available during spring and place them in a well drained media and allow to the soil to drain away after watering. Plant out when large enough to handle.

Botanic information
Leaf: The dark green to purplish green fleshy leathery lanceolate leaves clasp the stem at the base and have an acuminate apex with a pungent terminal spine that is up to 20mm (ľ in) long. The entire margins have long white threads and the upper surface may be channelled.

Flower: The greenish funnelform flowers have a short tube and 6-expanding tepals and 6-stamens. They are arranged in a spicate (spike-like) inflorescence that is up to 2.5m (8 ft) and appear from late summer to early autumn.

Fruit: The ovoid capsule contains flattened seeds that are viable but the plant is normally repoduced vegetatively.

General cultivation notes

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. The 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.