Propagation
Sow fresh seed when ripe and maintain a temperature of 18º to 21º C. (64º to 75º F).

Division of offsets with roots attached in late spring through early summer.

Botanic information
Leaf: The leathery dull green leaves are lanceolate to narrow ovate with up-turned (recurved) margins that are armed with reddish spines that extend to the underside. The apex is long acuminate and the base clasps the stem. Dead leaves are persistent on the plant.

Flower: The tubulate flowers are orange red to crimson with exserted stamens and are arranged in a terminal panicle that is held above the foliage, on a scape up to 1m (3ft) long. Each rosette may produce two inflorescences and appear during early summer.

Fruit: The cylindrical loculicidal capsule contains flattened seeds that are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.

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 4.5ºC (40ºF). 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 spots on 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.