A compact perennial succulent, forming rosettes of short, rounded, fleshy silvery-grey leaves, that are sometimes flushed pink in strong light. In late spring and early summer, upright stems produce bright red flowers, almost completely enclosed in long silvery bracts
0.1-0.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in sharply drained cactus compost in a greenhouse (minimum 5°C), or as a houseplant on a sunny windowsill. Water moderately while in growth and keep almost dry at other times. Apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser every 6-8 weeks in spring and summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Propagate by seed sown at 19-24°C in spring, or by leaf cuttings in summer
No pruning required
May be susceptible to mealybugs when grown under glass
Generally disease-free