This species is primarily a winter and spring grower, leafing out and flowering (producing distinctive hairy, red-centered cyathia) in response to the Mediterranean winter rains of the California coast. It is notably drought-deciduous; as the arid summer takes hold, it will readily drop its small, round leaves to conserve moisture, entering a dormant state where it survives on the water stored in its semi-succulent, grayish stems. In cultivation, it can be opportunistic year-round if provided with light summer irrigation, but it achieves its best "gnarly" aesthetic when allowed to follow its natural cycle of summer dormancy and winter activity.