Karyn: I would be interested in growing these. You may have my address from a past trade. If not I can send it to your email. -David

I used the scotch tape metod, they releave more or less like a Dandylion, a tiny parachute the seed on the end about the size of lettuce seeds or smaller. I'ts fun to watch and wait. How long, well again it depends on how dry the air is where it is growing. Watering may also make a difference on how fast the fruit will open. this I don't know. I have very tiny rubber bands which I have alsod use to keep them closed. I have put the plant into a strainer, and then put it into a bag so when they start to open they will fall down into the strainer, which is in the bag or box. You will come up with something that will work for you. Norma

Paul the mix is likely the reason they didn't sprout. I start them in a regular high quality potting mix, high in organic matter, but still very well draining. My problem was figuring out when to transplant them to a gritty mix. The first couple transplants were moved too early and died. I now keep them in the regular mix for at least 6 months and just slowly decrease the amount of water they get. Not sure why but this is what works for me. Get in touch when your temps warm up and I'll get a couple in the mail to you. Happy Holidays.

This looks like an Orbea to me, probably one of the many forms of O. variegata. I have not grown any Orbeas from seed, but I have grown some related stapeliads (they are not actually cactus). As long as the seeds are fresh they should sprout easily and grow fairly fast. I would remove the fluff, plant them on the surface of the soil, and just cover them with a little coarse sand. The soil should be well drained and damp, but not heavy and wet. Covering the pot with plastic wrap can help maintain even moisture. It should be warm and in an area with bright light, but no direct sun. Once they have sprouted, uncover the pot. The most common problem I have had is damping off if kept too wet, but they can't be fully dry when small. Water regularly but lightly. Once they start looking like little versions of the adults, you can begin treating them more normally. Good luck! Let us know how they do!