Height: 4 inches

Germination: Experience Useful

Aftercare: Care Required

Description: Neat little plants that are often taken for pebbles having mainly white or yellow blooms. During resting period keep dry.

Sowing Instructions: Sow from mid winter to late summer in a free draining cactus compost, just covering the seed with silver sand. Seal in a polythene bag or cover with glass until germination which can take from 2-12 weeks at 18-27C (65-80F).

Growing Instructions: Transplant the seedlings into 6cm (2½in) pots when large enough to handle. Water with care allowing the surface of the soil to dry out slightly before giving a fine mist spray. After two or three months let them dry out for a few days between more thorough waterings. Transplant when the plants begin to crowd.

Aftercare Instructions: They like good ventilation and lots of light but not direct sunshine. In the winter the plants 'hibernate', the old leaves dry up and new ones develop inside and emerge in late spring. No water should be given at all throughout the winter and early spring.