This plant was grown from seed in the spring of 2001. The seed was purchase from a nursery in the USA. I achieved approximately 70% to 80% germination in the first year of sowing the seed.
Seed collection Data
DJF1353 collected in El Paso, TexasUSA.
Hardiness of species
This plant is reported to be hardy to -12 degrees Celsius when dry, or with good drainage in a suitable position.
Winter Protection
This plant was planted out in the summer of 2003 and received winter protection during the winter of 2003/04. Protection was given by constructing a polythene structure over the entire cactus bed that the plant was situated in. The plant has not been protected since and has suffered little damage from the cold wet winters. The plant has tolerated repeated frosts down to -9 degrees Celsius while wet.
UPDATE JULY 2006
The plants has remained in it existing cactus bed since it was planted out. It showed minimal growth during the summer of 2005. It began to prepare for the winter in late September by starting to shrivel slightly and lying its large thin pads on the ground. The plant received no protection during the winter of 2005/06 and endured repeated temperatures down to -12 degrees Celsius. Unfortunately the plant suffered a little damage due to marking on its pads which lay on the ground. The pads which lay on the sparse gravel mulch seemed to escape this problem.
The pads filled and rose in early may and soon showed signs of new growth. The plant remains to look extremely healthy with its lush green colour. The plant has produced 3 large flower buds which have yet to open (watch this space for flower pics!).
