| Description: |
Small plants, usually less than a foot (30cm) tall. The surface is covered with vertical rows of swellings (tubercles) and may have a few long spines. Green and variegated forms are grown. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/East/West |
| Soil Type: |
A GOOD general purpose potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well) with a little added sand or if you want to mix your own take:
3 parts coarse sand or perlite, 2 parts garden soil, 2 parts humus (leaf mold), 1 part rinsed aquarium charcoal chips and a dusting of bone meal and limestone or a couple of eggshells (which can be substituted for limestone).
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Drench the soil and let it become barely moist between waterings. Remember to reduce watering during the winter. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed only twice a year, once in April and once in July with a water soluble fertilizer. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs and rarely scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings (let the cut end dry out first) and seeds
at anytime.
Propagate them in evenly moist soil, mist occasionally and keep in filtered sunlight until they are growing.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Keep cool in the winter months. Some varieties can irritate sensitive skin. Requires good ventilation and prune after flowering. Be careful not to over-water. Put a layer of small gravel at the bottom of the pot and also one inch on the top of the soil to prevent stem rot.
An ideal plant for a hanging basket.
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| Toxicity: |
Species of this Genus can be harmful to pets. |