Kroenleinia grusonii: hedgehog cactus or mother-in-law's cushion?

When the soil is dry on the surface, for about five centimetres, water generously, but without flooding the pot. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater. If you don't have any, you can use tap water that has been left to stand for 24 hours. Always ensure that the water is at room temperature.

As with most plants, stagnant water causes roots to rot. If your Stepmother's cushion pot is on a saucer, empty it after watering. If your plant is too large to be moved, raise the pot above the saucer (by placing it on gravel or clay balls) or remove the saucer.

Your kroenleinia grusonii hates wet foliage. You must not mist the plant.

In spring, transfer your Kroenleinia grusonii to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

In a pierced pot, pour a layer of well-draining substrate. You can use commercially available potting soil for cacti and succulents, or make your own growing medium by mixing ordinary potting soil and sand.

Plant your Stepmother's cushion in the center and add soil. Be careful not to bury the leaves, and leave a watering trough.

Water generously to encourage rooting and expel air bubbles.

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

You don't have to fertilize your plant to make it grow. However, if you want to stimulate its growth, you can give itfertilizer for cacti and succulents.

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Your Stepmother's cushion fears humidity. Plant it in a place where water doesn't stagnate, at the top of a slope, an embankment or in a rockery, for example.

Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. You can place pebbles or clay balls at the bottom to improve drainage. Then lay down a layer of substrate. If your soil is light and chalky, you can use garden soil. If your soil is rich and heavy, use potting soil for cacti and succulents.

Plant your Stepmother's cushion and fill in with garden soil or substrate. Water to remove air bubbles and encourage rooting.

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

After a few years, your Stepmother's cushion produces shoots. You can divide them to multiply the plant.

Once the plant has been dug up, separate one of the shoots, with its roots. Beware of thorns! Remember to wear gloves when handling your Stepmother's cushion.

Pour a light, well-drained substrate into a pierced pot. You can use potting soil for cacti and succulents or a mixture of ordinary potting soil and sand.

Plant your cutting, burying the first two centimetres in the soil. Place the cup in partial shade.

Wait ten to fifteen days for the cuttings to root before watering.