This is a classic winter-active species with a very strict dormancy cycle. It begins to wake up in late summer or early autumn, sending out a vigorous, twining green vine. It remains active throughout the winter, which is when the corky, geometric caudex does most of its expanding. As the temperatures rise in late spring, the foliage yellows and dies back, and the plant enters a deep summer dormancy. During this summer rest, the plant should be kept almost entirely dry to prevent the woody caudex from rotting. It is one of the more predictable "timers" in a succulent collection, often waking up like clockwork as soon as the nights begin to cool.