Astrophytum (Astrophytum) is a perennial plant from the Cactus family. The name of the flower is translated from Greek as “star plant”. In appearance, the succulent resembles a star due to its ray ribs, their number can vary from three to ten. The plant is characterized by slow growth, on its spherical stem there are tiny hairs of light color, which have the ability to absorb water. In care, the cactus is unpretentious, it adapts well to various temperatures and calmly tolerates the absence of moisture.
How it grows in nature
Astrophytum is native to the arid regions of Mexico and the United States. Under natural conditions, succulent grows on rocky or sandy soils. The cactus reaches a height of about 30 cm, and its diameter is within 17 cm.
In its natural habitat, the plant blooms in the summer. At the top of its stem, a peduncle appears, on which a bud is formed. Funnel-shaped yellow flowers, their length is about 8 cm. They fade a few days after blooming, in their place is a seed capsule.
Types of astrophytum with a photo
There are six domesticated species of astrophytum. Plants differ in color and shape of the stem, as well as the presence of thorns.
Astrophytum astrerias, or stellate
The plant is also called “sea urchin”. The diameter of the gray-green stem is about 10 cm and its height is within 8 cm. The cactus has about 8 ribs, in the center of which there are fluffy areoles of gray-white color. There are no thorns. The succulent begins to bloom in the middle of summer, the flowers are yellow in color with a red core.
Astrophytum Coahuil
The smooth stem of the plant has no thorns and is covered with tiny dots of light color. Deep ribs smoothen over time, their number is about six pieces. Lemon flowers have a terracotta center.
Astrophytum ornatum, or decorated
This species grows faster than its relatives, it can reach a height of 30 cm. The green stem has horizontal blotches of white. The number of ribs is about 6–8; areoles with long spines are located along their apices. The cactus begins to bloom at the age of 7 years, the flowers have a light yellow tint.
Astrophytum capricorn, or capricone
The plant is emerald in color with many blotches of white. The spherical stem acquires a cylindrical shape over time. The number of divisions is about 6–8, on their tops are areoles with branching brown spines. Astrophytum capricorn begins to bloom in summer, yellow flowers have an orange center.
Astrophytum speckled (myriostigma)
The green stem has no thorns, its height is about 25 cm. On the surface of the cactus there are white blotches, consisting of soft hairs. The plant can bloom at the beginning or at the end of summer (depending on climatic conditions). The flowers are creamy in color and have pointed petals.
Astrophytum Kabuto
This variety was developed in Japan. The spherical stem reaches a height of about 8 cm, on it there are many specks of white. The divisions are poorly expressed, their number is from 3 to 8 pieces. The cactus blooms in the summer, bright yellow flowers have a red core.
Home care
“Star cactus” is a tropical plant, therefore it loves bright lighting. However, too scorching sun rays can have a detrimental effect on astrophytum. It is necessary to place the pots on the eastern or southern windowsills.
Table 1: Growing conditions
The constant stay of astrophytum in the shade can negatively affect its health. The cactus will stop growing and blooming.
Watering and top dressing
Astrophytum does not need frequent watering. In the summer, it is irrigated as the soil dries up, in spring and autumn – twice a month. In winter, the cactus is not watered. For humidification, use settled or filtered water at room temperature.
From March to November, the houseplant is fed with complex fertilizers for cacti. The dose indicated in the instructions for the drug is halved. In the winter season, astrophytum does not need feeding.
Transfer
The cactus is transplanted only when it becomes cramped in the pot. Transfer is performed by transshipment. You can buy soil for succulents at a specialized store or make your own. It should include:
- leafy land (1 share);
- sod land (1 share);
- river sand (1 share);
- charcoal (¼ share).
The astrophytum pot should be wide but shallow. At its bottom, it is necessary to lay out a drainage layer (expanded clay or small pebbles). The root collar of a cactus should not be buried. It should be flush with the soil substrate.
Features of reproduction
Astrophytum does not give children and does not form stem processes, therefore it can only be propagated by seed. Seeds can be harvested from a growing plant or purchased from a store. It is necessary to take into account the fact that the seeds retain their germination for only two years.
Stages of the seed reproduction method:
- Before sowing, the material is soaked for half an hour in warm water, and then kept for 10 minutes in a solution of potassium permanganate (1 g of potassium permanganate per 200 ml of water).
- The seeds are dried, laid out on the surface of the soil and lightly sprinkled with earth. The composition of the soil should include: sheet earth (1 part), river sand (5 parts) and crushed charcoal (¼ part).
- The container with the planting material is placed in a well-lit place and covered with plastic wrap.
During the germination period, the room temperature should be within + 22 ° C. Once a day, the greenhouse is opened for 10 minutes to ventilate. The topsoil is sprayed as it dries.
The first shoots appear in 15-30 days. The grown stems dive into separate containers.
Growing problems and their solution
Improper care of astrophytum at home can lead to the following problems:
- Brown spots on the plant signal that the water for irrigation contains a lot of lime.
- The stem turns yellow due to direct sunlight on the flower.
- The lack of flowering indicates non-observance of wintering conditions.
- A wrinkled tip indicates excessive waterlogging of the soil.
- The stem is pulled out due to insufficient sunlight or too warm wintering.
Diseases and pests
Diseases rarely affect astrophytum. Root rot is most common. It is necessary to treat the root system with any fungicide, cut out the affected parts.
Table number 2: Pests of astrophytum and methods of dealing with them
Subject to all growing conditions, cacti will develop normally and delight the grower with their flowering. To give the plants a more exotic look, you can mix them. For this, several varieties of astrophytum are planted in one pot.
