RHS 
A perennial succulent with a sparsely branched brown caudex. Inversely lance-shaped bright green leaves to 5cm (2in) long are often spotted or mottled with deep reddish-purple and often the leaves have horny margins. Spike-like cymes, 25-20cm (10-12in) long, of tubular green flowers 1.5cm (¾in) long with pinkish-white, or pale purple lobes, are borne in summer
0.1-0.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow under glass in a sharply draining or proprietary cactus compost in full sunlight with good ventilation. Water during the growing season in spring to autumn, only when the soil has become dry. Withhold water altogether in the winter months and keep cool, but not lower than 7°C (45°F). A low nitrogen fertiliser can be applied two or three times during the growing season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagate by seed at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in spring. May also be propagated from leaf cuttings and stem cuttings in summer
No pruning required
May be susceptible to mealybugs and greenfly
Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to root rots in wet soil