Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring in flats and maintain a temperature of 10ş to 20ş C. (50ş to 68ş F). Prick out when large enough to handle and pot up.

Note:
This plant is very susceptible to excessive water causing rot or in inadequate light.
Different varieties of the species are distinguished by the shape and colour of the spines but spine colour can vary within a population.


Botanic information
Leaf: The areoles are up to 20 mm (ľ in) apart with 6-12 flexible white spreading radial spines that are up to 40 mm (1? in) long. There are 1-4 greyish-red central spines generally with an upper and lower that are curved, almost hooked and are up to 150 mm (6in) long by 3 mm (? in) wide.

Flower: The red tinted yellowish flowers are funnelform to campanulate with a scaly floral tube and numerous stamens. The flowers may not appear on the plant for the first 12-years and then open for several days. They normally appear towards the top centre of the plant on the side of young areoles consecutively throughout the summer.

Fruit: The persistent, oblong fleshy yellowish berry is covered in scales and is up to 25 mm (1 in) wide. It is indehiscent or opens from a basal pore. The small black soft seeds are pitted and are viable but the plant may be 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)