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No plants for sale online currently. Hit the + for more info on how to buy our plants.

There are currently no plants for sale in the Shop (mail-order) part of this website, as we don’t have time to upload them nor to deal with mail orders.
If your enquiry is for a small number of low value plants then start planning a trip to the nursery.
International orders are no longer possible from our reduced facilities.

We had to demolish our 40,000 sq ft of greenhouses to satisfy Transpower (our landlord). We cannot rebuild and we cannot afford to relocate.

We open for sales every few weeks for a few hours, see the home page for details. The rest of the time we need to be focussed on production. We had many years of being open 7 days a week and we like this better.

We also sell (intermittently) on Trade Me under the trading name of "desertmaniacs". Most of our Trade Me offerings can be shipped anywhere in New Zealand. Generally they are shipped in the pot (not bare-rooted). We are very good at packing them.

Our courier will attempt to obtain a signature on delivery. If no-one is present at the address, the parcel will be left in what the courier considers to be "a safe place". If your residence does not have such a place or you are not prepared to risk the parcel being left in such a place, then please give us a Delivery Address that will have someone able to SIGN during business hours. Placing of an order implies acceptance that no claims will be accepted for lost deliveries to unattended addresses.

The shipping charge may include a Rural Delivery surcharge for Rural Delivery addresses.

You are welcome to visit our nursery in Mt Wellington when we are open (intermittently) to the public.

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Code index

0 Indoor or Outdoor code not assigned.

1 Outdoors only, grows weakly indoors.

2 Indoors OK, Outdoors OK, easy to grow.

3 Indoors OK, Outdoors OK in warm, well-drained position in mild areas.

4 Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

5 Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

6 Indoors OK but not for beginners, Outdoors not OK.

7 Winter grower. Needs water in winter, not summer.

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Coryphantha elephantidens

Small globular cactus, extremely white woolly and eventually offsetting.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Copiapoa laui

Copiapoa are slow-growing & from a v. harsh climate where they receive almost no rainfall. Brightest light needed for good spination, shape, and any chalky texture which can be very attractive.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Copiapoa hypogaea FR 261

(sy. C.barguitensis hypogaea) This is the wild species from which 'Lizard Skin' is a selection, and in fact, closely resembles. Copiapoa are slow-growing & from a v. harsh climate where they receive almost no rainfall. Brightest light needed for good spination, shape, and any chalky texture which can be very attractive.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Conophytum regale SB 793

Conophytums are from sandy crevices in extremely hot regions, full sun to shade. Withhold water from spring to mid-summer, water sparingly the rest of the year. Flowers in late summer/autumn.

7.Winter grower. Needs water in winter, not summer.

Conophytum pellucidum neohallii Silverfontein

Conophytums are from sandy crevices in extremely hot regions, full sun to shade. Withhold water from spring to mid-summer, water sparingly the rest of the year. Flowers in late summer/autumn.

7.Winter grower. Needs water in winter, not summer.

Pterocactus kuntzei

Caudiciform cactus from Argentina with pendulous branches from a large gnarly tuber. Name now includes P.tuberosus & P.decipiens. Water in spring to get silky yellow flowers. Very coldhardy but keep dry in winter.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Euphorbia symmetrica

South African, endangered. Globose stem to 150mm diameter, later occasionally offsetting. Not difficult in warm position in a pot. “...round fat plum puddings tied up in tartan cloths”.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Conophytum minutum nudum

Conophytums are from sandy crevices in extremely hot regions, full sun to shade. Withhold water from spring to mid-summer, water sparingly the rest of the year. Flowers in late summer/autumn.

7.Winter grower. Needs water in winter, not summer.

Euphorbia obesa

South Africa. Solitary globose stem to 10cm diameter, later extending into a column to 60cm in 40 years or so. Not difficult in a warm position in a pot.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Eriosyce occulta

Black, slowgrowing sometimes spineless miniature from the harsh Copiapo Desert of Chile. Turnip root anchors it, and apparently it sees the light through the transparency of the sand grains above. Indoors only, water sparingly.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Obregonia denegrii

Rare slow-growing cactus from Mexico. Eventually gets to about 12cm across with a dense woolly centre. Flowers white, in summer. Indoors only and best in a shady spot. Water with restraint.

6.Indoors OK, but not for beginners, Outdoors not OK.

Epithelantha micromeris

Very slow growing Mexican miniature needing restrained watering and high light levels. Spination merits close inspection. Bright red fruit are a bonus also. Indoors only.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Notocactus warasii

Large and very floriferous Brazilian cactus. Offsets prolifically in time, producing an impressive many-headed clump. Flowers bright yellow. Easy and relatively fast. OK outdoors in best conditions.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Echinocereus rigidissimus rubispinus

Lau 88, the attractive red to pink spined cactus from Mexico, grows slowly to about 30 cm high, usually without offsets. Large bright pink flowers in spring. Grow indoors in a bright sunny position.

6.Indoors OK, but not for beginners, Outdoors not OK.

Notocactus claviceps

Very attractive large species from Paraguay and Brazil. Columnar stem to 1.2m or more, few if any offsets. Large yellow flowers in summer. OK outdoors in frost-free, sunny well drained area.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Conophytum minimum 'wittebergense'

Previously known as C. wittebergense, this tiny plant is one of the most beautifully patterned. Small white flowers are nocturnal and highly scented. Indoors only in bright light. Keep dry summer to mid-autumn.

7.Winter grower. Needs water in winter, not summer.

Mammillaria perezdelarosae

Gorgeous newer Mexican cactus with hooked black central spines standing out from the white radials on a body to 15cm ht., later offsetting basally. Indoors only, in bright light.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Mammillaria carmenae

Clustering bodies densely covered in friendly cream squeezable spination. Best indoors in very bright light to encourage tight compact growth. Small white flowers in early spring. Water sparingly, keep dry in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Adromischus umbraticola

Miniature, with spotted leaves on short branches from a broad raft bottom. Tiny red-throated white flowers. Easy indoor plant. Needs excellent drainage, and no water in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Adromischus schuldtianus

Another miniature plant for fans of army camouflage. Red-spotted leaves in dense rosettes to about 12cm across. Small tubular flowers in summer. Indoors only, in very bright light. Keep dry in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Adromischus marianiae Van Rhyn's Pass

Miniature windowsill plant. Crevice dweller suits a small bonsai presentation in a shallow pot with sandy potting mix. Give brightest light for best leaf colours, but don't cook roots when pot overheats. Keep on the dry side in winter.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Adromischus marianiae 'herrei' Red

Small red pustuled darling. Crevice dweller suits a small bonsai presentation in a shallow pot with sandy potting mix. Give brightest light for best leaf colours, but don't cook roots when pot overheats. Keep on the dry side in winter.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Adromischus marianiae 'herrei' Green

Small dull-green fat textured leaves. Crevice dweller suits a small bonsai presentation in a shallow pot with sandy mix. Give brightest light for best leaf colours, but don't cook roots when pot overheats. Keep on the dry side in winter.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Adromischus marianiae 'Bryan Makin'

Miniature windowsill plant. Crevice dweller suits a small bonsai presentation in a shallow pot with sandy potting mix. Give brightest light for best leaf colours, but don't cook roots when pot overheats. Keep on the dry side in winter.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Adromischus maculatus

Choice miniature forming eventually a low massive raft bottom. Give brightest light for best red colours in leaf. Needs excellent drainage, and air movement. Remove old flowerstalks to avoid rotting.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Turbinicarpus polaskii

Small, slow-growing endangered cactus from Mexico. Soft, flexible user-friendly spines and delicate white flowers tinged pink, from spring to summer. Indoors only in bright light. Water sparingly.

6.Indoors OK, but not for beginners, Outdoors not OK.

Wilcoxia schmollii

Pink flowers in mid-summer. Raise the globose caudex roots to give a bonsai look. Prune branches if they have floppitude in their attitude (due to low light level). Keep nearly dry all winter as the caudex can rot if too wet.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Matelea cyclophylla

Rare and unusual Mexican caudiciform plant. Soft corky swollen base to 15cm across with vining growth and brown star shaped flowers. Dormant and leafless during colder months when it should be kept totally dry. Indoors only.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Copiapoa hypogaea 'Lizard Skin'

Selected form of C.hypogaea. Copiapoa are slow-growing & from a v. harsh climate where they receive almost no rainfall. Brightest light needed for good spination, shape, and any chalky texture which can be very attractive.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Notocactus buiningii

Rare, attractive and unusual species from Uruguay. Pastel green body, glassy spines, and pale yellow flowers with red stigma lobes in spring and summer. Indoors only, best in bright light with infrequent watering.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Sinningia leucotricha

"Queen of the Abyss". Caudiciform from cliffsides near a huge waterfall in Brasil. Silver felted leaves emerge in spring then tubular orange-red flowers. Does well outdoors in bright light for best looks.

2.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK, easy to grow.

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple'

One of the best Crassula hybrids. Symmetrical columns of densely stacked leaves to 15cm high. Flowers pinkish in dense clusters at stem tip. Indoors only in bright indirect light.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Echeveria agavoides

Lipstick Plant. 20cm rosette, OK in pot or garden. Best red-edged colouring in bright light. Most Echeverias are easy rosettes which cluster and have red to yellow fl's on drooping flowerstalks.

2.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK, easy to grow.

Echeveria gilva 'Red'

Form or cultivar of Echeveria gilva. Compact rosettes to 15cm across suffused with red tones. Flowers orange, small, insignificant. Best in bright light with good drainage. OK outdoors.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Crassula socialis

Dense low mat-forming species from shaded rock faces in South Africa’s eastern Cape. Untried outdoors but probably OK in a rock garden or similar. Small heads of tiny white flowers in spring.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Pachypodium lamerei

Madagascar Palm (so-called, but not a palm.) Leaves, spines, thick trunk, metallic sheen, what more? Frangipani-like flowers at 2m? Yes! Easy indoors or a challenge outdoors. Withhold water if leafless in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Pachypodium inopinatum

This new Madagascan has lovely white flowers and very narrow leaves. Starts skinny but then forms up into a fat lump with ascending short and spiny branches. Indoors only, withhold water when dormant (leafless) in winter.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Pachypodium saundersii

S.African pachycaul. Super-thick silvery trunk, crinkly appletree leaves, beautiful frilled and scented white flowers in autumn. Keep dry during winter dormancy.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Pachypodium rosulatum gracilius

Rare super-fat Madagascan with bright yellow flowers spring thru summer. Water when actively growing; keep dry when leafless in winter. Indoors only in bright sunny position. Great bonsai subject.

6.Indoors OK, but not for beginners, Outdoors not OK.

Pachypodium rosulatum cactipes

Millionaire's Daffodils. Showy yellow flowers on long stems crown this needle-spined Madagascan pachycaul. Water when actively growing. Unlikely to go dormant in winter, but keep drier. Has succeeded in perfect garden locations.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Pachypodium namaquanum

The famous tilt-headed Namaqualand 'Half-Mens". Single columns to 2.5m. (overgrown specimens can be returned). Red & green scented flowers. V.short dormancy in spring, otherwise water sparingly. Indoors only in bright light.

6.Indoors OK, but not for beginners, Outdoors not OK.

Pachypodium griquense

Closely related to P.succulentum, but has a smaller, whiter flower, and shorter, less whippy branches and a fat grunty caudex. Possibly worth trying outdoors in the perfect position. It works in S.Africa.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Pachypodium horombense

Madagascan pachycaul. Yellow bell-shaped flowers on 80cm long stems when mature. Water once or twice (lightly) in winter when dormant, more frequently in summer when growing. Pot subject, best grown hard, bright and slow.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Pachypodium windsorii

Small, rare and slow growing, one of the red-flowerd Pachypodium species. Close to P.baronii but smaller leaves and flask shaped stem has bizarre bulbous possibilities. Keep warm, sunny, and indoors.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Pachypodium densiflorum

Chunky Madagascan species forming compact well shaped specimens. Flowers small, deep yellow on long stems in spring. Indoors only in brightest light. Leaves drop in winter (keep dry until new growth appears).

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Pachypodium brevicaule

One of the rarest and most sought after Pachypodiums. Grows slowly to 1 meter across yet only a few centimeters high; a vegetable pancake! Grow indoors only, sunny and warm. Yellow flowers on long stems in spring.

6.Indoors OK, but not for beginners, Outdoors not OK.

Pachypodium bispinosum

Slow growing South African species, forming a large silvery caudex with compact spiny branches. Flowers produced throughout the year, bell-shaped crimson & white. Full sun, possibly OK outdoors.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Pachypodium baronii

Rare and beautiful Madagascan species. Large flask shaped stem to 2 metres high, 60cm diameter. Stunning red flowers spring to summer. For warm, sunny, indoor position only.

6.Indoors OK, but not for beginners, Outdoors not OK.

Pachypodium succulentum

Head-sized ground-level caudex from which arise slender 50cm branches, topped with spidery pink/white flowers in spring. Tough. Takes savage pruning if desired and grows outdoors too. Watch for mealy bug.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Echinocactus grusonii 'Alba'

White Barrel Cactus. A variant of the Golden Barrel, grows slowly to 1m diameter. Water once a month but not at all in the cold of winter. Needs bright light for good spination. If outdoors give warmest position, best drainage etc.

3.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK in warm, well-drained position in mild areas.

Soehrensia 'Sharkfin Frenzy'

This is a CC selected clone with interesting inward pointing tubercles, which remind of a swarm of sharks heading in for a feeding frenzy.

3.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK in warm, well-drained position in mild areas.

Astrophytum 'Super Kabuto'

Cultivars of Astrophytum asterias with improved flocking: more of it and arranged in interesting symmetrical patterns.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Echinocactus grusonii

Golden Barrel Cactus. A classic in the genre, grows slowly to 1m diameter. Water once a month but not at all in the cold of winter. Needs bright light for good spination. If outdoors give warmest position, best drainage etc.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Astrophytum myriostigma

Slow growing but one of the most attractive cacti from Mexico. Scented yellow flowers spring to autumn. Indoors only in bright light; water infrequently (once every 2-3 weeks, less in winter) to prevent root rot.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Astrophytum myriostigma quadricostatum

Square four-sided variant of this slow growing but attractive Mexican cactus.Scented yellow flowers spring to autumn. Indoors only in bright light; water infrequently (every 2-3 weeks, less in winter) to prevent root rot.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Astrophytum 'Onzuka'

4 or 5-sided works of art, originally bred in Japan from A.myriostigma. All are different, solitary, to 10cm diameter and heavily flocked. Flocking fantastic! Indoors only, require nice pot for best growth. Water seldom in winter.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Gymnocalycium horstii buenekeri HU 79

Bigbodied clusterer known for its few rotund ribs and pinkish flowers. Repot regularly for best large sized bodies. Easy to grow, prefers partial shade.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Dorstenia foetida

Stumpy little pachycaul succulent from tropical Africa. To 20cm high. Flowers ultra-tiny within a bizarre and so cool star-shaped hypanthodium. Indoors only in bright light. Keep dry in winter if leaves drop.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Astrophytum ornatum

Armed but ornate with its fine white-dotted stem and strong yellow spines. From Mexico, it grows slowly to around 2 m high (may take a few hundred years!). Large scented yellow flowers in summer. Indoors only, in bright light.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Gasteraloe 'Green Hysteria'

A 2003 Corocac release. Handsome green slightly scabrous leaves in a stemless rosette to maybe 30cm diameter. Probably OK in well-drained outdoor situation with part shade.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Gasteria nitida armstrongii

Regional distichous form of Gasteria nitida. Leathery straplike leaves lie flat to the ground. Very slowly offsets to form a cluster. Pink stomach-shaped flowers.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Echeveria tolimanensis

Thick almost cylindrical leaves form a whitey-grey rosette to about 20cms diameter (on a wellgrown older one). Indoor plant for pot. Needs bright light.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Gymnocalycium triacanthum

Small, solitary brownish-green cactus from Argentina. Spines are wonderfully variable; sometimes straight, sometimes curly. Grows to only about 6cm across. White flowers spring to autumn. Best in partial shade.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Crassula 'Morgan's Pink'

Highly recommended hybrid miniature. Papillose leaves and gorgeously scented showy pink flowers in late winter. Brightest light needed for tight form. Outdoors in best position perhaps???

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Echeveria minima

Tiny blue-grey rosettes with blunt leaves, red-tipped in bright light position. Slowly forms into a small tight mound. Yellow flowers on arching raceme. Mound forming. OK outdoors and in rockery.

3.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK in warm, well-drained position in mild areas.

Tacitus bellus

Or Graptopetalum bellum if you like. Gorgeous pink flowers in summer on this Mexican canyon-dweller. Forms a small cluster. OK outdoors only in the best bright well-drained position.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sedum suaveolens

Unusual rare Mexican species looking like an Echeveria (which it is not). Flowers in spring, white with sweet, spicy fragrance. Difficult to grow; best kept dry in winter to avoid mouldy rot. Avoid water sitting in the rosette.

6.Indoors OK, but not for beginners, Outdoors not OK.

Gymnocalycium vatteri

Low solitary olive-grey bodies with 1 downward and up to 2 sideways curved appressed spines. Flowers white.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Ariocarpus retusus

Highly sought-after slow-growing cactus from Mexico with unusual spineless, flattened tubercles. White 5cm flowers in summer. Indoors only in warm bright position in well drained potting mix.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Sulcorebutia pasopayana Lau 387

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia tiraquensis lepida

Very long richly coloured dark red spines distinguish this cold tolerant alpine cactus from Bolivia with prolific blood-red flowers. Needs bright light to keep compact. Water moderately in summer, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia tiraquensis

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia cylindrica crucensis

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia heinzii HS 151

Newly named cold tolerant alpine cactus from Bolivia. Intense magenta flowers. Offsets freely. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Crassula barklyi

"Bandaged Finger". Short fingerlike stems to 9cm, later with white perfumed flowers at their ends. Does not die after flowering and generally remains more compact than most, even when flowering. Use stone mulch, moderate water.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Lithops aucampiae euniceae

'Splattered Liver", a particularly fine subspecies, large-bodied and boldly patterned, originally disguised for stony deserts in southern Africa. Suited for bright windowsills. Water sparingly, and give a dry winter until October.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Conophytum obcordellum 'declinatum'

Conophytums are from sandy crevices in extremely hot regions, full sun to shade. Withhold water from spring to mid-summer, water sparingly the rest of the year. Flowers in late summer/autumn.

7.Winter grower. Needs water in winter, not summer.

Conophytum obcordellum 'ursprungianum'

Conophytums are from sandy crevices in extremely hot regions, full sun to shade. Withhold water from spring to mid-summer, water sparingly the rest of the year. Flowers in late summer/autumn.

7.Winter grower. Needs water in winter, not summer.

Lithops aucampiae 'Jackson's Jade'

Living Stones, disguised for stony deserts in southern Africa . Suited for bright windowsills. Water sparingly, and give a dry winter until October. Flowers Jan - May.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Lithops dorotheae C 300

Living Stones, disguised for stony deserts in southern Africa . Suited for bright windowsills but shade pots to keep roots cool. Water sparingly, and give mature plants a dry winter until outer leaves shrivel up.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Conophytum pearsonii braunsii

Conophytums are from sandy crevices in extremely hot regions, full sun to shade. Withhold water from spring to mid-summer, water sparingly the rest of the year. Flowers in late summer/autumn.

7.Winter grower. Needs water in winter, not summer.

Conophytum pellucidum neohallii Windhoek

One of the more attractively patterned forms of C. pellucidum. Markings particularly bold at start of growing period. White tubular flowers in late summer/autumn. Indoors only in bright light.

7.Winter grower. Needs water in winter, not summer.

Lithops hookeri susannae C 91

Living Stones, disguised for stony deserts in southern Africa . Suited for bright windowsills but shade pots to keep roots cool. Water sparingly, and give mature plants a dry winter until outer leaves shrivel up.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Lithops fulviceps C 266

Living Stones, disguised for stony deserts in southern Africa . Suited for bright windowsills but shade pots to keep roots cool. Water sparingly, and give mature plants a dry winter until outer leaves shrivel up.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Adenia glauca

Passionfruit Lump Plant. Large smooth tapered caudex sends up one or more vines in the summer growing season. Scented cream flowers and orange fruits with poisonous seeds. Indoors only, easy. But withhold water when leafless.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Lithops julii C 64

Living Stones, disguised for stony deserts in southern Africa . Suited for bright windowsills but shade pots to keep roots cool. Water sparingly, and give mature plants a dry winter until outer leaves shrivel up.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Sulcorebutia steinbachii

Cold tolerant alpine cactus from Bolivia. Prolific pink or pink & yellow flowers. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia crispata KK 1266

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia krugerae hoffmannii Lau 954

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Lithops lesliei C 33

Living Stones, disguised for stony deserts in southern Africa . Suited for bright windowsills but shade pots to keep roots cool. Water sparingly, and give mature plants a dry winter until outer leaves shrivel up.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Sulcorebutia oenantha pampagrandensis

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia pedroensis HS 76

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia pulchra

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia rauschii

One of the most coveted and attractive Sulco's. Slowly to about 5cm across with many offsets. In winter it will often develop an attractive purple hue. Deep glossy purple flowers. Possibly OK outdoors in well-drained rock garden.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia tiraquensis electracantha

Cold tolerant alpine cactus from Bolivia. Orange-red flowers and contrasting golden spines. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Rebutia perplexa

Small bodied Rebutia which forms large mounds in time, and bears in early spring a fantasticly dense crop of flowers with gorgeous baby-pink rounded petals.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia tuberculato-chrysantha

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia tunariensis

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia vasqueziana KK 1262

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia vasqueziana losenickyana WR 477

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia verticillacantha cuprea HS 140

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia verticillacantha taratensis

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia verticillacantha taratensis minima

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia candiae

Alpine cactus from Bolivia. Slightly tangly soft brown spines on green bodies which offset to form low mounds.Prolific yellow flowers. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia langeri

Choice pectinate-spined miniature from Bolivia. Sunny yellow flowers (in profusion in spring) larger than the tiny bodies. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, much less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Rebutia krainziana

Lovely species prolifically flowering in colours from yellow to orange to red. White woolly areoles make an attractive clustering mounding body also. Outdoors only in a protected area.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Rebutia donaldiana

Glossy medium size bodies with bright orange flowers.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Lithops localis C 345

This was separated from std venteri for its larger dark windows, less curtained. Suited for bright windowsills but shade the pots to keep roots cool. Water sparingly, and give mature plants a dry winter until outer leaves shrivel up.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Lithops schwantesii rugosa C 192

Living Stones, disguised for stony deserts in southern Africa . Suited for bright windowsills but shade pots to keep roots cool. Water sparingly, and give mature plants a dry winter until outer leaves shrivel up.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Echeveria 'Waterlily'

An attractive red-toned form of E.agavoides. Easy to grow.

3.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK in warm, well-drained position in mild areas.

Rebutia heliosa

Neat and tidy cactus from Bolivia; short dense spines held close to the body help to protect it from the ravages of the sun god. Forms a dense clump 20cm across, orange flowers spring to summer. Indoors, bright, keep dry in winter

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Sulcorebutia crispata Lau 391

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Euphorbia horrida striata

Glaucous green stems with central body growing to 180mm diameter and a mound of numerous offsets forming at base. Possibly OK outdoors in mild welldrained areas.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Thelocactus rinconensis

Slow-growing Mexican cactus forming a solitary low bluish-purple coloured body to 15 cm diameter. Spines are long, thin, and slightly curved. Indoors only, bright light. Water sparingly.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Tavarorbea 'Red Leopard'

Interesting bigeneric hybrid between a Tavaresia and an Orbea, bred in Port Charles, Coromandel. Showy large red-spotted flowers. Feed or repot often for good flowering.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Lithops optica C 287

This is the green form which grows wild alongside (and in fact siblings of) the purple optica 'rubra' in a very harsh hot coastal strip of Namibia. Of all the so-called Living Stones, these optica flower latest into winter and need some water through Autumn. However, they also need their summer water to arrive later than other Lithops species and in very restrained amounts too. Suited for bright windowsills but shade the pots to keep roots cool. Water sparingly, and give mature plants a dry winter until outer leaves shrivel up.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Echinocereus brandegeei

Branches have fiercesome flat straw-like spines to 8cm long. Flowers pink, to 10cm diameter. Plant to 60cm diameter, freely branching from the base. It can handle cold winters if completely dry.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia verticillacantha cuprea WR 476

A choice form with long thin spines and extremely attractive blood-red flowers in spring. Forms a compact mound to 25cm diameter. and is best grown in bright light. OK in rock garden with very good drainage.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia candiae kamiensis

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Mammillaria plumosa

Choice Mexican cactus with soft feathery white spines. Highly scented white flowers in winter. Will slowly fill a huge bowl with a mound-like cluster. Indoors only, in brightest light. Water infrequently.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Haworthia truncata

Horses' Teeth. Highly evolved leaves are windowed for sunlight to pass thru when the plant is flush with the ground. Needs bright light and light watering, esp. in cooler seasons. Suits pots only.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Haworthia scabra morrisiae

Haworthias suit partial shade or redden nicely in full sun. Ideal small indoor plant, or in rockeries. Not very frost-tolerant. About 70 species, many varieties. Most offset to form low clusters.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Eriosyce senilis

Formerly Neoporteria multicolor, this form (of a polymorphic Chilean species) has a birdsnest-like tangle of straw-yellow curving spines and brilliant large dayglow pink flowers in spring. Coldhardy if kept dry in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Euphorbia aeruginosa minor

Small spiny shrub needing water when growing, (and none if dead). Rows of beads of tiny bright yellow flowers dot the stems making a cheery sight in winter. Indoors only in bright light.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Euphorbia lactea Crest

Crested succulent capable of growing in a few years into a striking, medium-sized twisted oddity. Easy to grow in bright sunny position and also suitable for outdoors in a warm well-drained spot.

3.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK in warm, well-drained position in mild areas.

Rebutia grandiflora

Small offsetting cactus from Argentina. Very easy to grow and has tons of brilliant red flowers in spring and summer. Best in full sun. Indoors or OK in rock garden with good drainage.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Haworthia scabra

Haworthias suit partial shade or redden nicely in full sun. Ideal small indoor plant, or in rockeries. Not very frost-tolerant. About 70 species, many varieties. Most offset to form low clusters.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Sulcorebutia albida

Cold-tolerant alpine cacti from Bolivia. Prolific flowers are intensely coloured and the spination of well-grown specimens is pleasing. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Haworthia minima

Haworthias suit partial shade or redden nicely in full sun. Ideal small indoor plant, or in rockeries. Not very frost-tolerant. About 70 species, many varieties. Most offset to form low clusters.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Euphorbia 'Toxic Milkshake'

A world first, this hybrid was first bred in 1997, and released in 2006. Stunning short whitish columns, later variably offsetting. No spines. A pot subject for bright light or try it in a warm garden sheltered from winter rains.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Haworthia emelyae

This slow growing flat-topped rosette charms with its various colours and speckles especially in bright light. Deep pot needed to contain large roots. Water sparingly.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Euphorbia viguieri ankarafantsiensis

Bright red petioles and later a remarkable frosted club-shaped stem to 1 meter distinguish this Madagascan newcomer. Red flowers spring to autmn. Easy in a pot, but possibly touchy outdoors.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Adenia spinosa

Vining caudiciform with a fantastic globose green caudex to 60cms diameter. Cut back vines when dormant in winter. Water when in active growth. Indoors only in NZ..

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Sulcorebutia purpurea

Cold tolerant alpine cactus from Bolivia. Solitary, 10cm or more in diameter. Prolific magenta flowers to 7.5cm. Requires bright light to keep compact. Easy to grow, water moderately in warm weather, less in winter.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Mammillaria rekoi leptacantha

Short-columnar Mexican cactus to 20cm high. Small pink flowers around top of plant (sometimes forming a ring), spring to summer. Best kept in very bright light indoors away from curtains (spines get tangled). Easy.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Opuntia galapageia

Galapagos Tree Opuntia, to 10m + ht, trunk to 1 m diameter! Easy to grow, with golden, initially VERY spiny pads, but later the lower trunk becomes barked and without spines.

2.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK, easy to grow.

Pilosocereus magnificus

Best blue cactus around! To about 2 meters high and branches in an attractive candelabra shape. Flowers small, white, nocturnal. Needs very bright light. Outdoors OK only if warm, sheltered and well drained.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Haworthia bolusii blackbeardiana

Larger growing form of bolusii. To 15cm diameter, rarely offsetting.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Haworthia reinwardtii brevicula

Beautiful columnar miniature, slow growing, rare and not easy in cultivation. Forms many upright leaf-clad stems radiating from an offsetting base. Indoors only in a bright position not too hot.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Zygosicyos pubescens

Endangered Madagascan lump plant with globular caudex to 2 metres diameter. Wow! Produces vines which stay leafy in at least mild areas. Keep dryish in winter. Untried outdoors.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Astrophytum capricorne senile

A confused nomenclature exists within capricorne and it is barely worth losing sleep over the many names. Suffice to say there are many variations of spottedness from naked (no flock) to very flocking spotted, and spines golden, white, or black, thick or thin, and curly, straight or tangled. Keep dry when cold in winter.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Aloe aristata

Pretty leaves, covered both sides in white pointed tubercles, form a rosette to 30cm diameter, larger than its more common hybrid, and slower to offset. Short inflorescence of short racemes of large pink flowers.

2.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK, easy to grow.

Didierea madagascariensis

Remarkable tree from the spiny dry forest of southern Madagascar, to 6 metres in height. Columnar at first, later branching. Keep mostly dry during its long dormancy in winter but needs water when leafy and growing.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Cyphostemma juttae

An archetypical pachycaul from the Grape Family, this classically fat nubile Namibian will peel off its bark for you at regular intervals. Huge summer leaves, ghostly torso in winter. Withhold water when leafless. Indoors only.

6.Indoors OK, but not for beginners, Outdoors not OK.

Calibanus hookeri

Bizarre boulder-shaped caudex with tufts of grey 'grass' all over. In rare localities in Mexico the caudex can grow to the size of a Volkswagen. Easy to grow, in pot or garden.

2.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK, easy to grow.

Aloe dichotoma

Large sculptural tree to 8m., suits tub culture (or in the ground if sunny, sheltered, frost-free, well drained & fertile). Thick silvery trunk, later a branching crown and yellow flowers.

3.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK in warm, well-drained position in mild areas.

Decarya madagascariensis

Mad' Zigzag Plant. Interesting crazy-shaped bush or small tree from very dry southern Madagascar. Water in summer (has small leaves then) but keep dry in winter. Probably indoors only in New Zealand, but worth trying in rockery.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Dioscorea elephantipes

(syn. Testudinaria) Tortoise Plant. Annual vines from a caudex which is woody-looking but succulent within. Withhold water as vines die down, but otherwise likes water. Caudex in shade, vine in medium light.

7.Winter grower. Needs water in winter, not summer.

Echeveria 'Frilly Maid'

Popular and beautiful cultivar with pink-edged delicately crinkled leaves.

4.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK only if protected from winter rain.

Echeveria 'Blue Waves'

A Frank Reinelt hybrid which forms slightly blue, crinkly-leaved rosettes to about 25cm diameter with few offsets. Easy to grow, suits bright well drained frost-free location.

3.Indoors OK, Outdoors OK in warm, well-drained position in mild areas.

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