Propagation
Sow fresh seeds and place in a cold frame to germinate during spring.
Divide offsets during spring and early summer.

Note:
If plant parts are ingested it may cause stomach upset and contact with the sap may cause skin irritation as it contains alkaloids.


Botanic information
Leaf: The fleshy obovate sessile leaves are the green to red and arranged in a dense rosette. The cuspidate apex is connected with cobweb-like white hairs that traps moisture, helping them to survive in dry conditions.

Flower: The cyathiform flowers have 9-12 sepals and petals and are arranged in a flat top cyme that is up to 25 mm (1 in) wide. It is held above the foliage on a slender leafy scape and appears during summer.

Fruit: The small star-shaped follicle contains tiny seeds that have no endosperm and are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced by division.


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 4.5şC (40şF). 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.