Propagation
Sow seed in flats during spring and lightly cover with a layer of river sand and maintain a temperature of 18ş to 21ş C. (64ş to 75ş F). Water seedlings only in the morning and liquid fertilise.

Take cuttings during spring and allow the wounds to dry prior to planting into a very well drained media.

Note:
Care should be taken not to over water the plant as the leaves will expand and excessive watering will lead that rot. In heavy clay soils the addition of river sand and compost in equal quantities will improve the drainage. When selecting a site allow room for the plant to grow.

Botanic information
Leaf: The grey green to light green thick fleshy broad lanceolate leaves are up to 250mm (9ľ in) wide and taper to a pungent acuminate apex. The margins are armed with sharp dark brown spines that may also appear on the underside or upper surface. They are arranged in a terminal rosette and the dried spent leaves persist on the plant.

Flower: The orange-red to yellow nectar rich tubulate flowers are arranged in up to 30 one sided racemes that are held above the foliage in a candelabra-like panicle. They appear over a long flowering period from late summer to late winter and are pollinated by sunbirds.

Fruit: The small loculicidal capsule contains numerous thin papery seeds that are dispersed by wind. The small seeds are viable but the plant can be reproduced vegetatively.

General Cultural notes
Outdoor Cultivation
In warm regions with low humidity, cold and frosty nights with hot sunny days 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 and ample sunlight to 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.
Over watering succulent`s results in leaves that wilt and discolour or stems that rot.
Under-watering results in a sudden loss of leaves or the appearance of 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.