Need regular water but do not water again until dry, as it is specially sensitive to over watering; plants should be allowed to become crowded in their pot. Keep in shallow pot. Also, it is a species that is dormant in the winter and require very little water (maybe even none) during the cold months.
High levels of light are needed to flower and for good spine development. Can be sunburned if moved from shade/greenhouse into full sun too quickly. During the spring it may be able to take full sun until the heat arrives at the end of spring. In an area that has hot afternoon sun, it may be able to take full morning sun, but requires afternoon shade or afternoon light shade. If grown correctly, it will reward the grower with generous displays of purple flowers.
