[Overview]
A perennial cultivated as an ornamental succulent.
There are hard-leaved and soft-leaved types, both with fleshy leaves forming dense rosettes.
Leaf shape and color vary with the type, and some have a translucent part called a "window" at the leaf tip.
A raceme or panicle is borne at the end of a long flower stalk extending from the leaf axils, and bears a few flowers.
The corolla is tubular with a two-lipped tip, and the flowers are white with green or brown stripes.
The fruit is a capsule.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by division, by leaf cuttings, or by root cuttings.
It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, and potting mix for cacti is suitable.
It dislikes heat, humidity and strong direct sunlight.
During long rainy spells, keep it in a well-ventilated place out of the rain, such as under the eaves or on a veranda.
In winter, bring it indoors to a sunny place.
In spring and autumn, water once every 2 weeks to 1 month, when the soil has dried, until water runs out of the bottom of the pot; in midsummer and winter, almost stop watering.
Poor ventilation or excess moisture causes root rot.
For fertilizer, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer at repotting is enough.
Pests and diseases include aphids and scale insects.
