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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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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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Gymnocalycium pseudomalacocarpus

Reddish green cactus with attractive pink stripes from each areole. Native to salt dunes in Bolivia. Large pink flowers in spring. Easy to grow indoors.

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

Ortegocactus macdougallii

Slowgrowing miniature, eventually forming clumps of 30-40mm odd-coloured bodies. Rare, known only from one mountain in Mexico. Water sparingly at all times. Yellow flowers in spring or summer.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Desmidorchis speciosa

Upright pale green stems to 5cm diam. form a many branched, sculptural and stately bush. Later crowned with 12cm balls of black-red and yellow flowers. Bright light, extra winter warmth, extra drainage & very little water.

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

Conophytum bilobum Komaggas

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 salicola 'maculate' C 86

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.

Trichocereus 'Penis Plant'

Easy to see why this has become known as the Penis Plant! A one-eyed sport from a columnar cereoid (T.bridgesii, known for its psychoactive alkaloids) this plant is a fast rooter and easy, becoming an outdoorable many-headed bush.

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

Euphorbia obesa Crest

Rare freak that arose at Coromandel Cacti in about 2003. 7 years later it was separated from the mother plant.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Haworthia magnifica Correnterivier

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.

Astroloba foliolosa

Sharp leaved slow growing columnar miniature. Forms many upright spiralling leaf-clad stems from an offsetting base. Flowers tiny & insignificant. Easy indoors & possibly OK in rockery.

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

Haworthia emelyae major

Very attractive form of H. emelyae with dark, rough-surfaced leaves (almost like sandpaper). Rarely offsets and only grows to about 8cm across. Best indoors in bright light (but not direct sun).

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

Haworthia truncata maughanii

One of the most sought after Haworthias. Slow growing and unusual (looks like the lawnmower has had a go at it). Indoors needs bright light to keep its windowed leaves low to the ground. Untried outdoors.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Conophytum uviforme RA 107

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.

Haworthia mutica

Variable species that is sometimes difficult to distinguish from H. retusa and H. pygmaea. Haworthias suit partial shade or redden nicely in full sun. Ideal small indoor plant, or probably OK in rockeries.

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

Conophytum obcordellum 'multicolor'

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.

Haworthia bayeri

Rare and highly sought-after species with beautiful leaf markings. Slow growing, solitary rosette to about 10cm diameter. This form is from De Rust, southern Cape. Easy to grow. Indoors only in bright light but not direct sun.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Haworthia 'Emerald Cream'

Glowing white-yellow-green variant of Haworthia truncata with the same sawn-off leaves and offsets which soon form into a low mound. Suits a nice bonsai presentation with gravel and rocks.

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

Lithops pseudotruncatella groendrayensis C 244

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 sp

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 lesliei venteri C 1

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 hookeri 'Vermiculate form' C 335

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 lesliei hornii

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.

Beaucarnea recurvata

Ponytail Palm, so-named by a blind moron. Graceful swirling green leaves atop a small branched tree which develops a fantastic swollen base and lower trunk. OK outdoors and in the ground in mild areas.

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

Lithops gesinae annae C 78

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 'Aurea'

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.

Ceropegia stapeliiformis Crest

Rare crested form. Produces unusual, gnarly, flattened growth as well as its usual vining form. Flowers unusual whitish and brownish purple. Easy to grow, best in a sunny spot indoors.

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

Lithops aucampiae euniceae fluminalis C 54

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 aucampiae

One of the largest Lithops, heads to 5cm+. 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.

Mammillaria elongata Cristate

Mound-forming, brain-shaped, and highly intelligent form of a relatively common cactus not known for its intellect. Keep indoors in bright light, and avoid overhead watering in winter, as trapped water can cause rots.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Aloe vaotsanda

Perhaps the most handsome Aloe, with its outspread recurved green leaves atop a stout trunk clad with persistent dead leaves (if not removed). Orangish flowers. Slowgrowing. Needs best warm and well-drained position, or pot.

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

Mammillaria 'Fred'

Seriously bizarre mutant form of Mammillaria bocasana. Pudgy, soft green blobs like silly putty, occasional bristly spines and white flowers with nothing but petals. Easy indoor plant in bright light.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Aloe humilis

Small South African Aloe with rosettes to 15cm diameter, offsetting to form clusters. OK outdoors in sunny well-drained area. Bright orange flowers on unbranched inflorescence in early spring.

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

Trichocereus strigosus Crest

Comments later, too busy right now!

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Trichocereus pachanoi Crest

Smooth green fans of fat sculptural chubbiness. Easy to grow.

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

Timus Cacti Testi
  • Bla bla bla

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

Aloe barberae

Formerly known as A.bainesii. The second largest of all succulents, eventually reaching 18m in height. Even small plants soon form statuesque specimens. Tough grower in most areas. Mild frosts only.

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

Aloe cat dog

Gorgeous green-striped Namibian relative of Aloe striata. Thick leaves on stemless rosette to 50cm diameter. Usually not offsetting. Pink flowers in March. Outdoors needs warm spot.

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

Aloe descoingsii

Of 580 Aloe species this is the smallest, to about 4 cm diameter, later offsetting prolifically. Another amazing Madagascan! Cute orange bell-shaped flowers. Outdoors only in warm dry position.

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

Aloe 'Doran Black'

Choice recent rauhii hybrid (often mis-spelt as "Dorian"). Heavily rough-textured and spotted leaves on a low tight rosette to 20cms diameter. Easy in bright light, and even possibly OK in a rock garden in mild areas.

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

Aloe erinacea

Rare and beautiful species from the diamond fields of Namibia. Mostly solitary spectacularly spinaceous rosettes to around 30cm across. Slow growing, indoors only in bright light.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Aloe excelsa

Noble plant from Zimbabwe. Heavy rosette atop a straight trunk to 2 - 6m in time, unbranched. Numerous racemes of brick-red to orange-red flowers in late winter, outer racemes angle out.

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

Aloe hardyi

Rare and unusual cliff-dwelling Aloe from South Africa. Attractive upright bright red flowers in early winter. OK outdoors in frost free location, best planted on the edge of a wall so that it can hang.

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

Aloe haworthioides

One of the smallest of Aloes, for the windowsill, the rockery, or the exposed Central Madagascan outcrop. Hairs and cilia distinguish this lovely miniature, which has orange-red flowers.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Aloe karasbergensis

Gorgeous green-striped Namibian relative of Aloe striata. Thick leaves on stemless rosette to 50cm diameter. Usually not offsetting. Pink flowers in March. Outdoors needs warm spot.

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

Aloe viguieri

Rarely offered species from Madagascar. Forms attractive light green rosettes to 50cm or more in diameter which will offset around the base to form a group. Flowers bright red throughout spring/summer.

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

Aloe marlothii

Spiny leafed tree Aloe slowly to 4m. Unbranching and massive rosette has large inflorescences of yellow flowers in outward pointing (45 degrees) racemes in mid-winter. Good in the garden.

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

Aloe mawii

An excellent tree Aloe, these are the superb Zomba Plateau form. Grows to 2 m high, thick & branching. Stunning racemes are horizontal with dense bright red flowers in winter. Outdoors in well drained position.

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

Peperomia columella Monstrose

Monstrose or cristate, this is a new twist on the Peruvian miniature, the extremely short branches are clad densely in thick, windowed leaves. Medium light and water required. Loves warmth. Probably tricky outdoors?

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Aloe petricola

South African stemless Aloe to 60cm diameter, smooth grey leaves and few thorns. Dense racemes of flowers are beautifully two-toned, being red in bud and open to greenish white. OK outdoors.

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

Aloe 'ramochotoma'

Name coined for these plants seemingly intermediate between ramo' and dicho'. First branches occur at 60-200 cms ht, are erect and frequently don't rebranch for some distance. Bright indoor or outdoors in mild areas, and needing excellent drainage.

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

Aloe rupestris

Handsome straight unbranched tree aloe to 8m tall. Profuse flowers in late winter, many racemes. Protruding stamens have an almost fluorescent bright orange-red effect. Moderately frost-hardy.

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

Conophytum flavum 'percrassum' Umdaus

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.

Newus prodi

Gorgeous green-striped Namibian relative of Aloe striata. Thick leaves on stemless rosette to 50cm diameter. Usually not offsetting. Pink flowers in March. Outdoors needs warm spot. And one more thing

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

Monvillea spegazzinii Crest

Miniature coral-like crest. Branches can take many unpredictable forms including that of the original parent, a rambling snakelike cereoid cactus. Pot subject or possibly ok in a welldrained rockery.

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

Aloe variegata

Partridge Breast Aloe. Three ranks of thick triangular leaves distinguish this classic plant. Pink flowers in spring. OK outdoors if roots are very well-aerated. Offsets readily to form a tight group.

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

Aloe vera

One of 580 different Aloes, this is the famous medicinal one. Stately rosette to 80cm diameter with bold yellow flowers quite unlike the spotty hybrid sold under this name. OK outdoors in well drained airy position.

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

Conophytum bilobum 'noisabisense'

C. bilobum in its various forms is easy to grow and can even be encouraged to grow through the summer months, especially if older leaves are removed. Yellow flowers. Best in bright light. For pot only.

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

Euphorbia 'White Ghost'

A variegated form of Euphorbia lactea, grows with the same habit but coloured mostly in stunning white. (Note: inexplicably called 'Grey Ghost' in NZ, but correctly known elsewhere as 'White Ghost').

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

Euphorbia woodii

Recommended. Unusual landscaping groundcover to 60cm diameter. Many green branches radiate from central caudex. Lots of small yellow flowers often appear. Easy and quite tough.

1.Outdoors only, (grows weakly indoors).

Conophytum minimum 'scitulum'

One of the easier Conophytums to grow, but like most, it will split and crack if overwatered (unsightly but usually not fatal). Scented nocturnal flowers. Keep dry spring to mid-summer. Best in light shade.

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

Euphorbia lactea Crest Variegated

White variegated form of a crested succulent. Alabaster white twisted oddity. Often called 'Coral Cactus' which is odd considering that it is not a cactus, that it was derived from plants living wild about an Atlantic away from the nearest cactus, and that Monvillea spegazzini Crest had, with good reason, claimed the name a half century earlier. Easy to grow in bright sunny position and possibly suitable for outdoors in a warm well-drained spot.

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

Euphorbia 'White Rocket'

Pallid like it evolved in an ice cave on a Death Star. Needs brightest light to keep away its ancestral melancholy. Outdoors OK in warmest best-drained spot, (in some areas may require move to new house to find the right spot).

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

Euphorbia ammak Variegated

Variegated form of a southern Arabian Euphorbia species which reaches 10m in ht. Easy to grow in a pot in bright light with regular repotting. Or worth trying in a warm sheltered outdoor position, even in the ground.

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

Conophytum truncatum

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 francoisii

Another of the southern Madagascan miniatures. Leaves come in many shapes, colors and mottled patterns, and remain during winter. The fat lower stem and rootstock is eminently raiseable for bonsai presentation.

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

Aloe krapohliana

Slowly attains the look of a miniature tree aloe to 20cm diameter and height. In mid-winter bears several relatively large racemes of red flowers. Best in a bonsai dish or small pot of attractive proportions.

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

Aloe helenae

Non-branching tree Aloe with long hanging leaves, from dry SW Madagascar. Eventually to 4m. Flowers yellow with red tips, in short broad racemes on numerous simple inflorescences. Easy in the garden in mild areas.

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

Lophocereus schottii Monstrose

The famed Totem Pole Cactus, a spineless mutant discovered in 1930 in one wild colony about 300 x 1600 m long in Baja desert, California. Superb looking, it was collected almost to extinction for the US market. Not difficult to grow.

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

Aloe laeta

Dentally distinguished blue-grey 30cm rosette featuring unusual close sawtoothery, sometimes pink-tinged. Cold-hardy if dry. Best appreciated when grown immaculately & brightly in a pot.

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

Euphorbia cylindrifolia tuberifera

Very choice non-stoloniferous variant of Eu.cylindrifolia with a discoidal tuber or caudex, and radiating short branches. Suits a bonsai presentation. Water sparingly esp. when cold. Medium to bright light. Indoors only.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Furcraea bedinghausii

Handsome blue-grey many-leafed rosette to 2m.+ in diameter, eventually with a 2m. high trunk. Suits most gardens including coastal areas. Harmless grey-green leaves, no spines. Tolerates frost.

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

Aloe mitriformis

Rosette to 20cm diameter eventually on slow growing stems to 60cm. Flowers are in capitate racemes in this form, and the leaves become glaucous in bright light. OK outdoors.

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

Aloe 'Mt Tiger'

Miniature, a super form of millotii or its hybrid perhaps, the narrow leaves brightly marked with long white stripes and white edge teeth, frequently conjoined. Easy and fast to multiple into a compact dense mound of interwoven leaves.

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

Aloe ortholopha

BBBroad thick grey leaves form a stemless rosette to 1m. across. Stunning winter inflorescences of horizontally disposed scarlet extravagance. Prefers sheltered garden position or large patio pot.

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

Aloe reitzii

Choice usually solitary blue-grey rosette to 80cm diameter, without trunk. Long dense racemes of flowers are a showy pinky-red opening to yellow. OK outdoors, & in garden.

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

Euphorbia 'Maori Doll'

Excellent hybrid of Terry Sibley of Otara. Brownskinned beauty derived from E.bupleurifolia. Offsets freely in time. Suggest indoors only.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Aloe gariepensis

60cm rosette of incurving leaves. From very arid areas near the Orange River, so must keep well-drained and warm. Flowers red, yellow, or bicoloured. Young plants are spotted.

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

Aloe pictifolia

Fine rosette to 30 cm, with pretty white-spotted leaves and red/green flowers on a simple inflorescence. From Cape Province (S. Africa) and described as recently as1976.

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

Aloe 'Purple Puzzle'

Intensely coloured purple or bluish rosettes elegantly atop short stems to 60 cm height, eventually multi-trunked. Easy in pot, patio tub, or garden in mild areas. Needs bright light.

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

Aloe plicatilis

The Fan Aloe. Grows slowly into a multi-fanned bush to 2m x 2m. Perfect shape and easy in either pot or garden. Stands frost (snow in S. Africa.) Bright red flowers in winter attract tui, bellbird, waxeye.

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

Aloe ramosissima

Wonderful branching medium size tree Aloe from South Africa and Namibia. To 2m+, suits a classy presentation in a quality pot. Bright indoor area or outdoors in warm, sheltered position with excellent drainage.

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

Haworthia scabra lateganiae

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 paulianii

From northern Madagascar, has an unusual spiralling stem to 80cm high. Flowers small, greenish on much branched inflorescence. Keep dry when leaves drop in winter. Indoors only in bright light.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Aloe speciosa

Distinctive tilted head and leaves on a single-stemmed tree Aloe to 4m. Flowers go from red to whitish as they open, giving a very showy effect. Moderately frost-tolerant. Bright light if indoors.

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

Euphorbia 'Medusa Type'

Of mixed parentage possibly involving E.gorgonis and E.pugniformis, this "medusa-head type' forms a central caudex with numerous radiating arms. Seems to be outdoor capable and quite tough.. Needs bright light.

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

Crassula 'Cherry Blossom'

Pink-flowered cultivar of Jade Tree. Flowers profusely in early winter, in a pot or planted out in the garden. Bright sun & potbound for yellower leaves.

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

Aloe succotrina

Many white-spotted white-toothed leaves form a big red-flowered rosette on a stout trunk, eventually branched and outliving its 1st owner by 100 years or more. Easy and handsome in gardens or pots. Won't worry with winter wet.

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

Aloe swynnertonii

Zimbabwean species which can have a stemless rosette to 1.5 metres diameter, later offsetting. Racemes held very tall in early winter.

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

Aloe 'Teethy Schmeethy'

A Coro Cacti hybrid with interesting multi-cuspid teeth on the translucent edges of remarkably rough-textured leaves. Leaves vary in roughness, redness, and glaucousness. Every one is different, it is best to own a full set.

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

Aloe peglerae

Solitary, blue rosette to 40cm across. Flowers in winter on a short, dense, unbranched inflorescence. Buds red opening to whitish flowers. Sunny position essential. Probably not frost tolerant.

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

Aloe vaombe

Large single-headed Madagascan tree Aloe, eventually to 3m. Long leaves with white teeth. Flowers in midwinter with spectacular inflorescences holding (up to) hundreds of bright racemes of red flowers. Easy in pot or garden.

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

Crassula portulacea

Jade Tree. Feng-shui has one at the front door to keep the good luck in. Try one at each window too, to keep the hort industry strong. Bright sun & potbound for yellower leaves.

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

Aloe parvula

Endangered dwarf aloe from rock cracks in the Itremo Mts Madagascar. Unusually bristly leaves colour up violet-blue in full light. Also pinkly floriferous. OK in pot or rockery in mild areas.

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

Aloe polyphylla

The Spiral Aloe. Solitary stemless rosette to 1m diameter. Ideal for garden or very large pot. Frost hardy, and likes lots of water on roots in summer. Showy orange flowers in early summer.

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

Aloe pluridens

A tall, thin, often branched tree Aloe to 4m topped with an elegantly swirling rosette with orange-red midwinter flowers. Good garden subject, but also suits a patio pot, being not wide.

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

Euphorbia cylindrifolia

Madagascan miniature. Matforming plant with small cute flowers, increasing by branching and stolons. Suits a bowl presentation in a warm position, slightly shaded.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Haworthia parksiana

This is the smallest of all Haworthias and possibly the most endangered in habitat. Slowly forms cute tight clusters of hard dark green minutely tubercled unwindowed leaves. Avoid overwatering. Indoors only.

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

Aloe cameronii

Striking species from East Africa with shiny leaves that turn bright red in winter. Grows well outdoors, forming clumps to half a meter high. Flowers red, on long slender peduncles produced in late winter.

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

Aloe calcairophila

8cm leaves mounted on distichous(fan-shaped) rosettes forming small clusters eventually. Flowers white.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Aloe angelica

Rare and special tree aloe with curvy leaves atop a tall naked unbranched trunk to 4m. The flowers are just super in mid-winter, red opening to greenish yellow in 10 - 20 short round racemes. Grows outdoors only in mild areas.

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

Aloe alooides

Spectacular tree aloe from S.Africa with large downcurving leaves and long narrow racemes of dense bright yellow flowers in winter. Slowly to 2m high. Tough outdoors, handles light frosts. Highly recommended.

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

Agave guiengola

Scarcely armed white glaucous rosettes to 60cm diameter. OK outdoors but we suspect not frost-hardy. Comes from a very restricted limestone region in Mexico.

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

Agave bracteosa

Graceful spineless rosettes to 80cm. Offsets with age. Stunning 2 meter inflorescence forms a huge white bottle-brush of flowers. Does not die after flowering. OK outdoors in frost-free, well-drained area.

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

Agave atrovirens

(At least we THINK it is atrovirens). Colossal rosette to 5m+ diameter. V.fast grower with dark green leaves and power-pole-like peduncle.

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

Euphorbia capsaintemariensis

A lovely southern Madagascan miniature. Silvery erect or spreading branches end in a cluster of pointed, channelled, and undulate green leaves. The fat sculptural stembase and raiseable rootstock make this a great SMOLA subject.

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

Aeonium subplanum hybrid

Vigorous garden shrub to 1m+. Numerous large flat bright green rosettes, rapidly providing filler in the new succulent garden. Cream flowers massed in pyramidal racemes. Easy and fast.

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

Trichocereus pachanoi

Nearly spineless Bolivian native from high altitudes hence frost-hardy and weather-tolerant. Beautiful thick glaucous parallel columns to 5m. Huge scented white flowers at night in summer. For outdoor or bright indoor position.

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

Haworthia pygmaea Crystalline form

Splendid (and original) form of the variable H.pygmaea, its minutely papillate leaves giving a frosted appearance. Very slow to offset. Water sparingly.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Conophytum herreanthus

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.

Haworthia springbokvlakensis

Described in 1970 this slowgrowing solitary miniature reaches only10cm diameter. Choice translucent leaves. Needs a deeper pot for its thick roots. Water sparingly in partial shade. Indoors only.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Haworthia setata

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.

Conophytum ficiforme Worcester

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.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Haworthia magnifica atrofusca

Large dark and heavy rosette with an almost reptilian surface texture and dark windows (blinds drawn). Remains solitary and brooding with a deep melancholy. Best indoors in bright light to cheer it up.

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

Aloe capitata gneissicola

Gorgeous grey/purple tones in stress, and probably best as a confined pot subject. Lovely yellow flowers in Aug/Sep. Solitary short-stemmed rosette to 50cm. OK outdoors

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

Aloe castanea

Tallest of the Bottlebrush Aloes, to 4m, branching basally eventually (apparently). Long thin twisting orange racemes point crazily outward in late winter. Fantastic plant, very happy outdoors, and best in the ground

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

Haworthia kingiana

New rarity related to minima, papillosa etc. In time will offset but perhaps looks best kept large and single, in a shallow bowl.

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

Euphorbia ambovombensis

One of the best of the south Madagascan miniatures. Roundish dark green leaves on the ends of the branches which arise from the fat bonsai-like stem and raiseable rootstock. Keep in partial shade, indoors only.

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

Haworthia fasciata Variegated

Variably variegated form of fasciata which is related to H.attenuata but smooth upperside of leaves. Suits partial shade or reddens nicely in full sun. Ideal small indoor plant, or in rockeries. Light frosts only. Prolific clusterer.

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

Haworthia emelyae picta

Not upheld as a taxon by the authorities but worth growing for its prettier leaves with milky white spots or lime green colours in varying amounts. Grows larger and leaves a little more rotund. Deep pot needed. Water sparingly.

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

Haworthia emelyae comptoniana

Very robust and large growing species (rosettes to 20cm) with attractively translucent, reticulated leaf tips. Extremely rare in habitat but easy to grow in cultivation. Best in light shade rather than direct sun.

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

Aloe cooperi

Largest of the Grass Aloes and this is a giant form of it. Forms dense clumps to 1.5m high. Flowers during much of the year with large orange flowers. Use snail bait as necessary. Easy to grow in sun or part shade.

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

Euphorbia bupleurifolia

S.Africa. Deciduous summer leaves and green flowers adorn the top of the thick, eventually columnar, pineapple-like stem. Withhold water when leafless. In NZ a house plant only.

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

Aloe descoingsii augustina

Even cuter than the typical form, its leaves having brighter white spots, and whiter more prominent spikey teeth. Flowers are cylindric not conical, but otherwise shares the same habits and diminutive size.

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

Conophytum tantillum inexpectatum

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.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Aloe divaricata

Tree Aloe to 2-3m. with erect narrow leaves, with oustanding red-brown teeth (frequently bicuspid). Precocious species with lax racemes arranged densely and in great quantity. Worth trying outdoors in good situation.

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

Aloe dhufarensis

Rare species from the Dhofar region of Oman. Beautiful white rosette to 1 meter, suffused with lavender and pinkish tones. Indoors only in brightest light, keep fairly dry in winter.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Lithops schwantesii C 191

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 schwantesii urikosensis C 75

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 villetii deboeri

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 otzeniana

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.

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

Echeveria 'Culibra'

Rumpled Foreskin Plant. Fascinating carunculations force the leaves into their bizarre tubular shape. Grow in bright light, and refrain from fingering the foreskins as they will mark easily.

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

Dinteranthus wilmotianus

Blue spots on a chalky skin set this naughty little pebble-mimicker apart. Bright light lover. Water sparingly and with restraint and really quite a small amount, and only if skin wrinkles but not before. Needs little water, not much at all at all.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Pleiospilos nelii

Split Rock. South African plant with chubby very succulent leaves in pairs. Indoors only in bright light, suits sunny windowsill. Yellow daisy-like flowers. Best treated like Lithops i.e. dry in winter.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Sulcorebutia arenacea

Cold tolerant alpine cactus from Bolivia. Prolific flowers (bright yellow in this case). 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.

Echeveria 'Silveron Red'

Large growing rosette, a bit like Echeveria 'Ruby Lips'.

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

Lithops karasmontana C 226

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.

Kalanchoe porphyrocalyx

Low subshrub or epiphyte from eastern rainforest areas of Madagascar. Suits pot or hanger, needs warmth & shelter outdoors. Attractive purple and cream flowers in spring.

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

Conophytum obcordellum Snorkfontein

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 naureeniae

Described only in 1980, requires less water and brighter light than most Lithops. Water sparingly, and give a dry winter until October. Last of the yellows to flower.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Echeveria 'Paul Bunyan'

Marvellously carunculated (means like a warty old scrotum) leaves of a rich blue-purple colour form a heavy rosette atop a stout stem to 50cm. Needs brightest light for best colours and shape.

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

Lithops bromfieldii glaudinae C 116

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 aucampiae 'Snowcap'

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 aucampiae koelemanii C 16

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 hookeri

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 igniflorum

Fiery orange flowers in autumn set this apart from other bilobed Conophytums. Withhold water from early to mid summer, water lightly otherwise. Not difficult to keep it alive even when ignoring this cycle. Indoors only, most likely.

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

Conophytum wettsteinii

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.

Ficus palmeri

Choice pachycaul from rocky slopes in Baja and Mexico. Best if kept bound and confined, to keep it small and shapely, like women's feet. (Just kidding). Bright light, withhold water when leafless, indoors only to be safe.

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

Euphorbia superans

One of the best, and the biggest, Medusa Head type. Looks great when flowering in brilliant yellow and the old branches dehisc nicely leaving a fab pineconiform central stem. Outdoors OK in a good position in a mild area. Indoors, it needs to be in the brightest light imaginable.

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

Fenestraria rhopalophylla aurantiaca

Baby Toes. Dwarf succulent from southwest Africa with finger shaped leaves tipped with a translucent window. Flowers large, golden yellow. Indoors only. To keep plant compact and low give bright light, do not overwater.

5.Indoors OK, Outdoors not OK.

Cleistocactus straussii

So-called 'Silver Torch'. A long time favourite, this species produces tall narrow densely spined white columns with many tubular red flowers over the summer months. Grows well outdoors if given good drainage and full sun.

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

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