Astrophytum (star cactus) / astrophytum

Refers to the family of cacti. The fatherland is wasteland.

General description: It differs spherical (in older specimens slightly cylindrical) stem with a strongly pronounced ribbed surface. On the ribs there are sharp spines. Adult specimens that reached about 15-30 cm in height bloom in summer like daisy-like flowers.

The plant is rather unpretentious.

Usually bred the following types:

Astrophytum capricorne (Astrophytum capricorn) is named this way because of its bizarrely curved spines. Its stem is covered with snow-white spots. They are microscopic hairs, capable of absorbing moisture, they need to be handled with care, they can not be damaged in any way.

Astrophytum ornatum (Astrophytum adorned) owns straight brown spines and silvery specks on the stem. The flowers are light yellow in color.

Astrophytum myriostigma (Astrophytum multiloen) is the most unpretentious kind of astrophytum. He does not have thorns and only four ribs on the stem.

Recommendations for the care of plants Astrophytum:

Illumination : photophilous, gives preference to southern windows, direct rays.

Irrigation mode : Moderate, by the measure of drying of the soil. In the winter, outlandish, in a cool atmosphere does not water at all.

Humidity : Does not require spraying.

For the summer it is better to place on a fresh atmosphere (in the park or on the balcony).

Temperature regime : In summer the temperature should be moderate, in winter cool (7-10 ° C in dry air).

Soil: Drainage is mandatory. It is allowed to add charcoal and brick crumbs. A loose soil with a weakly acid reaction is necessary.

Recommended soil mix: 2 elements of turf ground, 1 share of leaf land, 1/2 part of peat and 1 share of sand. It needs more calcium in the soil. It is allowed to add crushed egg shell.

During the growth period, it needs fertilizing once every two weeks with fertilizers for cacti.

Breeding : Easily seeded.

Transplantation : In the spring, young plants annually, mature once a couple of years.

Pests : It is infrequent.

Astrophytum decorated with A. ornatum

Astrophytum multi-pleated (or mottled) A. myriostigma