Cacti and Succulents

See the Starting From sections for information on propagating cacti and succulents, especially those for seed and cuttings. More precise details on reproducing a species are given only if these differ from the usual.

For cacti and succulents, warmer germinating temperatures are beneficial, i.e. 70-80F/21-27C and coarsely gritty, very well-draining soil is ideal; fine sand should not be part of the growing medium as it can actually let the soil compact to a rock-like consistency. Water regularly and thoroughly during growth, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, and less frequently when not actively growing.

Seed is often surface-sown, as light is typically needed for germination. Soil should be slightly moist prior to germination; after germination, the soil surface should be allowed to dry out for very brief periods of time, until the plants mature. For most cacti and succulents, germination is erratic.

Water from below after germination, especially if seedlings are very small, and allow to dry out between waterings. Bottom heat and warm ambient temperatures (75F/24C daytime, 70F/21C at night) are ideal. Seed and young seedlings should be protected from the midday sun.

Some species that may be considered succulent, i.e. the poinsettia, Sansevieria, etc. have been listed under Plants of Home and Garden or elsewhere; see also the tail end of this section.

Adansonia digitata

baobab

Soak seed two hours in hot, not scalding water after filing a shallow, small nick in the seed coat of larger seeds, then sow 1/16" deep. Keep at 75-80F/24-27C until germination, which can take a year. Good light is required after germination, allow soil to dry between waterings, provide winter temperatures of at least 55F/10C. May be grown as a house plant. Zone 10

Adenium obesum

desert rose

Sow in spring or summer, just covered as light is needed to germinate, which it does readily. Provide well-drained soil, 65-70F/18-21C; provided a minimum temperature of 60F/15C at all times. May also be grown from cuttings taken in summer. Does well with sun to partial shade; bright indirect light indoors is sufficient. Zone 10

Aeonium arboreum

May be grown from seed sown in spring or summer, or from leaf or stem cuttings rooted at this time. Water somewhat less frequently in winter, but enough to keep from shrivelling. Good in partial shade. Hardy to zone 9

Agave americana

century plant

Sow in spring, onto soil surface, needs light to germinate and minimum temperature of 60F/18C. Well-drained soil, good sun required. Remove offsets and pot up separately, also in spring, in a warm spot. Half-hardy to some cooler, wetter climates, where it may be naturalized. Zone 9-10

Agave species

Easy from seed grown at 55-60F/13-15C or up, surface sown; provide a winter temperature of 40F/5C or more and very good light at all times. Water sparingly in winter. May also grow from offsets, as A. americana, above. Zone 9-10

Aichryson species

Good light to some shade, minimum winter temperature of 45F/7C. Grow from seed in spring, or stem cuttings taken in spring or summer, rooted with bottom heat. Keep soil dry through winter period, indoors; outdoors, summer is the dormant period, and as such, water should be supplied regularly during winter

Aloe species

May be grown from seed sown onto soil surface, by removing and re-potting basal offsets, or from cuttings taken from side shoots in spring: the latter should be allowed to callus a few days, then repot. Clumps may also be divided. Well-drained soil should be firmed around roots; water rarely except during active growth. Repot infrequently. Smaller species especially do well with partial shade. Hardy zones 9-10

Aloe barbadensis

aloe vera

Offsets may be freed from base as they form, or divide clumps at repot-ting time. Leaf cuttings may be rooted in early summer with help of bottom heat. Sterile, cannot be grown from seed. Grow in gritty, well-draining soil, sun to part shade. Zone 10

Aporocactus flagelliformis

rat's tail cactus

May be grown from seed in spring. Also propagated by stem cuttings, ideally in late spring or summer. Good hanging plant; protect from full sun. Hardy to zone 10

Astrophytum myriostigma

bishop's cap

Relatively easy from seed sown in spring; does well indoors in good light. Keep on the very dry side during winter, and water more regularly during the growing season. Also known as Echinocactus myriostigma. Zone 10

Astrophytum asterias, the bishop's mitre or sand dollar, and A. ornatum are equally suited as houseplants, and are propagated and grown in the same manner. Zone 10

Beaucarnea recurvata

ponytail palm

Soak seeds overnight, plant in moist sand or rooting medium, and keep warm to germinate. Germination is slow and erratic. Examine seeds weekly to check for root development, pot up if such is seen. Free offsets of 1" or larger diameter, in spring, and grow in slightly larger pot. Water when dry, sparingly if free-growing, little heavier if pot-bound. Good light, will tolerate full sun

Use clay pot only a little larger than the root ball: large cold soil mass discourages growth and encourages rot. When the pot is outgrown, move one size up. Also known as Nolina recurvata. Zone 10

Carnegiea gigantea

saguaro

Sow seed onto very well-drained soil, spring and summer. Full sun. Slow-growing, needs ample room; with time achieves heights to 40'/ 10m. Zone 10

Carpobrotus species

Surface sow onto well-draining medium, 65-75F/18-24C; dark may aid germination. Can also grow from stem cuttings in spring or summer. Good ground cover. Can be grown potbound in light, well-drained soil, good light. Hardy to zones 9, and may be semi-hardy to colder climates, i.e. even in northern Europe

Carpobrotus edulis known also as the Hottentot fig, or iceplant, and as Mesembryanthemum edule. Hardy zone 9-10

Cephalocereus senilis

old man cactus

From seed or take cuttings from younger stems in spring or summer. Grow in good light and well-draining soil, avoid intense sun with younger specimens. Moderate humidity during active growth; resents moisture at the roots. Water only when soil is dry, less during winter. Keep above 55F/10C in winter. Fertilize older plants spring only. Zone 9-10

Previously also known as Cereus senilis

Cereus species

Seed is sown in spring. Branching types may be grown from stem cuttings. Sun, water sparingly. Zone 10

Coryphantha vivipara

spiny star, pincushion cactus

Sow seed in spring; offsets may be removed and replanted in summer. Grows well in sunny location, indoors; should be kept cool and fairly dry during winter season. Hardy to zone 6, though in some sheltered locations, kept absolutely dry during winter, can survive colder climates

Crassula arborescens

jade plant

Stem or leaf cuttings are allowed to dry out and callus, then planted, ideally in summer. Sow seed in mid-spring, bottom heat helpful. Can also be divided spring or summer. Requires well-drained soil, full sun; water rarely except during active growth. Also known as C. cotyledon. Zone 9-10

The species Crassula ovata, or Crassula argentea, may also be referred to as jade plant. Cultural conditions as above. Zone 10

Crassula species

Propagated from stem and leaf cuttings treated much as for C. arborescens, from seed or by division. Cultural conditions also much the same, though some species, i.e. C. falcata, or propeller plant, C. multicava, and C. schmidtii (also known as C. gracilis) prefer partial shade. Zone 9-10

Dioscorea elephantipes

elephant's foot

Slow-growing; may be started from seed in spring, divided in spring, or started from sections of tuber taken spring or fall. Moderately rich, well-draining soil. Also known as Testudinaria elephantipes. Zone 10

Disocactus species

Epiphytic cacti

Easy culture. Start from seed in spring or from stem or stem tip cuttings, in summer. Number of species previously known as Pseudorhipsalis

Dorotheanthus species

cultivars

Usually grown as annuals, started easily from seed, indoors in March and set out after last frost; may be sown directly outside after last frost. Tolerant of poor, but still well-drained soils. As a perennial, hardy to zone 10

Echeveria species

Sow in spring, just covered, as light is needed for germination, 55-65F/ 13-18C or up; germination is irregular. Clumps need ample space to develop. In summer, remove offsets and repot, or grow from single leaf or stem cuttings. May be divided in spring. Species typically hardy to zones 9-10, some to zone 8

Echinocactus grusonii

golden barrel cactus

Grow from seed started in spring, 75-80F/24-27C; full sun. Easy to grow in this manner, but slow. Hardy to zone 10

Echinocereus species

Easy from seed sown spring or summer, or grow from stem cuttings taken in summer. Full sun. Offsets may be removed and repotted. E. triglochidiatus, the claret cup cactus, may be hardy to zone 6 if kept dry in winter; others more typically to zone 10

Echinopsis species

sea urchin cactus

Sow seed in spring, or divide offsets at the same time. Does well in good light, in the home. Now also includes the genus Pseudolobivia, which shares the same cultural characteristics. Zone 10

Epiphyllum species

cultivars, orchid cactus

Sow seed at 75-80F/24-27C, or propagate from stem cuttings spring or summer. Decrease waterings in winter, though enough to keep from shrivelling; should never be totally dry. Epiphytic, these cacti do well as hanging plants. E. lauii and many hybrids do relatively well in partial shade. Zone 10

Euphorbia grandicornis

cow's horn

May be grown from seed or by stem cuttings, treated as for E. milii and E. tirucalli, below. Good light to full sun. Zone 10

Euphorbia milii

crown of thorns

Grow from seed, or increase by stem cuttings several inches long. Dip cut end of new cuttings in cold water, allow to callus a few days then pot up, water sparingly until new growth is seen. Bottom heat may be helpful. Well-drained light sandy soil. Water fairly frequently, never allow soil to dry out completely, to keep in flower. Good light to full sun. Zone 9-10

Euphorbia obesa

baseball cactus

Seed sown shallowly in sandy, well-draining compost, 70-80F/21-27C.

Erratic germination, up to 4 months. Water infrequently, in winter hardly at all. Good light, dry atmosphere. Zone 10

Euphorbia tirucalli

pencil cactus, milkbush

Propagated from seed or cuttings in spring; dip freshly cut ends in water, then allow to callus a week before potting up in moist sand. Repot in well-drained soil mix when roots form, in several weeks. Keep in lightly shaded area, water very infrequently until new growth is noted. Be careful: the plant's latex is a very strong irritant. Enjoys dry atmosphere and very good light

Faucaria tigrina

tiger's jaws

Sow seed in spring, or grow from stem cuttings in summer. Divide or remove offsets in spring, and replant. Water very sparingly during dormant season. Zone 9-10

Fenestraria aurantiaca

Grow from seed in spring or summer, or gently divide at this time. May also be grown from leaf cuttings. Needs very well-drained soil; keep very dry in winter. Zone 10

Ferocactus setispinus

strawberry cactus

Easy, though slow-growing. Start from seed in spring or summer, 75-80F/24-27C. Excellent drainage, very good light. Zone 10

Gasteria species

cultivars

Divide or grow from seed in spring. Very suitable as houseplants. Gasteria verrucosa, ox tongue, suitable for partial shade. May also be grown from leaf cuttings. Zone 10

Gymnocalycium

Grow from seed in spring, may be divided in summer. Good light, though part shade may be tolerated; needs cool, dry dormant period during winter. Zone 10

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is of interest as the 'red head' often grafted onto other cacti. Its colour comes from its lack of chlorophyll, which necessitates grafting it onto regular cactus stock: it cannot survive as a free-standing specimen. Propagate from cuttings, as seedlings also could not survive

Haworthia margaritifera

pearl plant

Produces numerous offsets that may be removed and repotted in fall; may be divided at the same time. Requires light to germinate, is sown in well-draining medium, just covered, and should be given room to grow. Water occasionally in summer, barely in winter, providing good light to full sun. Zone 10

Hoya bella

miniature wax plant

Excellent hanging plant, enjoys good indirect light, and should be protected from full summer sun. Can grow from young stem cuttings in spring or summer, with bottom heat to assist rooting, or layer very young shoots to propagate

Hoya carnosa

wax flower, wax plant

Likes some sun to part shade, rich and well-draining soil, good moisture during growing season. Grow from semi-hard cuttings in summer or from hardwood cuttings in spring, or from leaf cuttings. Climber, zone 10

Note that others of this genus are often as easily grown, and share the same cultural characteristics

Jatropha podagrica

gout plant

Sow just covered, 60-65F/15-18C, onto well-drained medium; germination is irregular. May also grow from cuttings in summer. Leaves will fall in winter, should be kept dry at this time

Kalanchoë blossfeldiana

Christmas kalanchoe

Surface sow in spring, 65-75F/18-24C, flowers in about a year. Light needed for germination. Thick succulent leaves may be broken from the stem and rooted separately, kept dry until potting, or grow from stem cuttings. Grow in full sun to good indirect light, well-draining soil; decrease water in winter. Zone 10

Kalanchoë daigremontianum

devil's backbone

Propagate and grow as K. blossfeldiana, above. Plantlets may also develop in notches along the jagged leaf edge if left in a warm humid atmosphere, and will drop off as the roots develop; set onto moist soil until rooted. Zone 10

Kalanchoë pumila

Another excellent houseplant; start from seed as for K. tomentosa, or from stem or leaf cuttings in spring or summer, also as with K. tomentosa. Very good light. Good hanging plant. Zone 10

Kalanchoë tomentosa

panda plant, pussy ears

Surface sow in spring, needs light to germinate, 70-75F/21-24C, unpredictable. Grow from softwood cuttings, or root single leaves in gritty compost, also in spring, or in summer. Grow as K. blossfeldiana, above. Zone 10

Lampranthus species

Easily grown from seed sown just covered in spring, 65-75F/18-24C; dark may aid in germination. Also propagated by stem cuttings, late spring and summer. Sun, well-draining soil. Once grouped under Mesembryanthemum. Zone 10

Leuchtenbergia principes

agave cactus

From seed in spring or summer; slow to grow. Full sun, well-drained soil essential; withhold water in winter, and water very occasionally during growing season. Zone 10

Lewisia cotyledon

Easily grown from seed sown onto soil surface; good drainage is required. Hybridizes readily. Propagate vegetatively by freeing offsets in spring. Hardy to zone 7, may occasionally overwinter in zone 6 if kept absolutely dry. May tolerate some shade. Note that some hybrids may not grow true from seed

L. pygmaea, or little Lewisia, hardy to zone 4. Germination of Lewisias can be quite irregular, and may benefit from 4 weeks' stratification

Lithops species

living stones, stone plant

Surface sow as light needed for germination, 70-80F/21-27C, spring or summer. Grow in very good light to full sun; require period of rest in winter. Soil must be very well-drained, and watered well during growing season, without overwatering, and barely watered in winter. May also divide larger clumps in spring or summer, or propagate by cuttings consisting of a pair of leaves, in summer. Zone 10

Lobivia silvestrii

peanut cactus

Easily grown from seed, or by rooting individual stem segments in spring or summer; grown also from offsets. Also known as Chamaecereus silvestrii. Zone 10

Lophocereus schottii

Grow from seed in spring, or from cuttings in summer. Though a tall cactus, may be grown as a container plant in the home. Zone 10

Mammillaria species

pincushion cactus

Easy from seed in mid to late spring, or divide at this time; offsets also may be removed and repotted in summer; should have adequate room to grow. Keep very dry in winter. Hardy to zones 9, 10

Melocactus matanzanus

Turk's cap

From seed, sown in spring or summer, 75-80F/24-27C, onto surface of very well-drained gritty medium. Full sun. Grow at a minimum temperature of 60F/15C. Zone 10

Nopalxochia phyllanthoides

Epiphyte, grows well in partial shade; protect from full sun. Propagate from seed in spring or by stem cuttings taken spring or summer. Hardy to zone 9-10

Notocactus species

ball cactus

Propagate from seeds, spring or summer, surface sow well-draining soil, 70F/21 or higher. Or remove the young offsets as these develop, and pot up. Requires good direct light to light shade, strong indirect light acceptable, and well-drained soil. Decrease watering and tem-peratures in winter, but do not allow to dry out completely. Zone 10

Ophthalmophyllum villetii

Propagation from seed or stem cuttings much as with Lithops, above; cultural conditions also are the same. Zone 10

Opuntia species

prickly pear

All North American species are easy to grow, and some are hardy even in protected more northern areas of North America and Europe, especially O. fragilis, brittly prickly pear, O. darwinii, Darwin's cactus, and O. basilaris, beaver tail cactus. Extremely well-draining soil is essential, ideally rich in organic material, ample sun, keep dry in winter. In right conditions can tolerate down to -40F/-40C, and are hardy into zone 5, but more typically zone 6

Soak seed 24 hours, then sow in spring or summer, just covered, very well-draining soil, 70-75F/21-24C. Many spread readily in right conditions, and may be divided. Can also be propagated by 'pad' cuttings in spring or summer: remove individual, outermost, good-sized pads and set into growing medium as above, grow at 65-75F/18-24C

For Opuntia ficusindica, prickly pear, see under Fruits & Vegetables

Pachyphytum oviferum

moonstones

Grown from seed in mid spring to summer, or from leaf or stem cuttings rooted in summer, much as for Echeveria species. Zone 10

Pachypodium lameri

Sun, water sparingly, very well-draining soil. Grow from seed sown spring or summer. Zone 10

Parodia chrysacanthion

Grow from seed in spring; bottom heat may be helpful. Offsets may also be removed and repotted in summer. Part shade tolerated though sunny spot ideal. Water sparingly in winter. Zone 10

Pereskia aculeata

lemon vine, Barbados gooseberry

Sow seed in spring, or grow from stem cuttings in spring or summer. Good light, well-draining soil. Zones 9-10

Rebutia species

Grow readily from seed, sown in spring. Divide also in spring, or propagate by offsets divided off in summer. May be frost hardy if roots are kept dry; may tolerate some shade. Zone 10

Rhipsalidopsis species

Easter cactus

Surface sow in spring, 70-75F/21-24C, keep moist until sprouted then uncover. Grow from soft tip cuttings, each with 2 or 3 sections, kept slightly moist until rooted. Cuttings may be joined to suitable stock using cleft grafting. Grow in good light but protect from full sun; rich and well-draining soil. Water sparingly in winter

R. gaertneri, the Easter cactus, previously known as Schlumbergera gaertneri. Zone 10

Rochea coccinea

Easy from seed sown onto soil surface, 60-70F/15-21C, light needed for germination, or from 3-4" stem cuttings. Good houseplant if minimum temperatures of 50F/10C are maintained; must be kept dry in dormant season. Also known as Crassula coccinea. Hardy to zone 9

Schlumbergera x buckleyi

Christmas cactus

Surface sow, keep moist until germination then uncover. Take young stem cuttings in spring, each with 2 or 3 sections, keep barely moist until rooted. Stem cuttings may also be cleft grafted onto suitable rootstock. Keep in good indirect light, protect from full sun; well-drained fertile medium. Zone 10

May decrease waterings and grow in cool spot in fall if Christmas flowering is desired, and resume watering late fall or early winter. Also known as S. bridgesii

Sedum species

Grow from leaf cuttings as S. morganianum, or from stem cuttings. Seed is sown in spring. Minimum winter temperatures of 45F/7C, and higher for some; good houseplants as long as very good light is provided, though S. montanum and some other species do fairly well with some shade. S. cyaneum, S. spectabile and others may be hardy into zone 4

See also Sedum spectabile, under Plants of Home and Garden

Sedum morganianum

burro's tail, donkey's tail

May be grown from individual leaf cuttings set into a very well-drained medium; prefers winter temperatures of 55F/13C or higher. Otherwise, see Sedum species, above. Good hanging plant

Selenicereus species

Seed started in spring; may also be grown from 4-6" stem cuttings in spring or summer. Stem cuttings are widely used for grafting, as rootstock for compatible species. Sun to part shade, well-draining and fertile soil, and ample growing room

Rooted 6 to 8" stem cuttings of Selenicereus grandiflorus, or queen of the night, in particular are suitable as grafting stock; this popular spe-cies does well with some shade, hardy to zone 10

Sempervivum tectorum

common houseleek, old man and woman

Reproduced using offsets, potted up separately, best done in spring. Likes gritty, well-draining soil, very good light, to be sparingly watered. May be started from seed, surface-sown, 65-70F/18-21C. Zone 3-10

Senecio rowleyanus

string-of-beads

Grown from seed in spring, or from stem cuttings taken spring through summer. Keep temperatures above 50F/10C; early in winter, cool temperatures may encourage flowering, however. Zone 10

Stapelia species

carrion plant

Easy from seed surface sown onto peaty, well-drained soil; light needed for germination, which can be irregular; 65-70F/18-21C. Also grows well from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer; may also divide at this time. Water relatively well during growing season, decrease during dormancy; protect from full sun. Zone 10

Thelocactus species

Grow from seed in spring; offsets are produced by a few species, and may be removed and replanted. Overwinter dry and cool. T. bicolor also known as Texas pride, and is hardy to zone 10. Other species hardy zones 9-10

Trichocereus spachianus

white torch cactus

Clump-forming cactus grown from seed in spring. Can be grown from cuttings in summer, and may be used as grafting stock. Water reasonably during growing season, less in winter, though not enough to lead to shrivelling. Can tolerate poor soils. Hardy to zone 10

Xanthorrhoea species

blackboy, grass tree

Seed is sown in spring. Young specimens can last a few seasons in the home; best grown outside or in a greenhouse, provided dry conditions are maintained. Offsets can be removed and repotted, in spring

Yucca species

Sow just covered in spring, 65-75F/18-24C, well-draining soil, good sun. Offsets may be removed and planted; propagate from stem cut-tings 3-4" in diameter, oriented right side up, or by air layering. Sun, well-drained sandy soil; many species excellent in drier climates. Some shade may be tolerated. Zone 3-10

Yucca glauca, soapweed, and Y. filamentosa, Adam's needle, are both suitable to colder climates, respectively hardy to zone 3 and zones 4-5; the popular Y. brevifolia, Joshua tree, is hardy to zone 7

Cacti and Succulents indexed elsewhere (click on heading to select that page):

Plants of Home and Garden

Euphorbia pulcherrima poinsettia

Mesembryanthemum species

iceplant Peperomia species

Sansevieria trifasciata mother-in-law's tongue

Sedum spectabile showy stonecrop

Trees & Shrubs

Plumeria rubra frangipani

Fruits & Vegetables

Ipomoea batatas sweet potato

Opuntia ficus-indica prickly pear