Description
It forms dense clusters about 4-9 cm cm in diameter, composed of a great number of soft green stems, each of them usually less than 2 cm wide, some only a few mm across.
Spines: All radials, white, 1-3 mm long, bristle-like, somewhat bent.
Flowers: Not known.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)
Cultivation and Propagation
It is a fairly easy species to cultivate, and relatively fast growing. It needs a very well drained soil, and requires full sun to part sun. Watering should be rather infrequent, to keep the plant compact and avoid it becoming excessively elongated and unnatural in appearance. It grows well on its own roots. Keep well ventilated as it is prone to root rot. Protect from frosts and freezes. Keep dry in winter, or when night temperatures remain below 10° C, it is hardy to -4°C for a short period.
Propagation: This species is easy to grow and clumps, forming a beautiful succulent mat. By division of larger clumps or by cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, remove a shoot and let it lie for about a week, giving the wound time to heal. Cuttings should first be allowed to dry and heal by placing them on a cool place for at least one week. The basal part should preferably be treated with a fungicide. Plant the cutting in an erect position in sandy soil. Rooting is rapid, and the plantlets can be planted out in small containers when they are large enough to handle.
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