Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Grey Silver | Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
A small genus of rosette-forming succulent shrubs, native to Mexico, with thick, fleshy, almond-shaped green to purple leaves and bell-shaped greenish-white to dark red flowers which hang from spikey stems
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in pots of 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in spring at 21°C, or by leaf cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.