Unpretentious guest from hot Mexico - star succulent astrophytum

Astrophytum is a genus of small spherical or cylindrical cacti. The Latin name for these succulents is Astrophytum. It came from the merger of two Greek words: "aster" star and "phyton" plant.

It is known that astrophytums are also called "star cacti", "star cacti" or "stars among cacti." This name is suitable for these succulents, since when viewed from above, the cactus really resembles a star with 3-10 "rays". This article will help you get acquainted with a native of hot Mexico and the rules of care.

Botanical Description

The main difference between astrophytums and all other cacti is the presence on the stem of felt light specks, with the help of which the plant absorbs moisture. The thorns are curved and large, but there are species in which the thorns are absent. These succulents are typical Mexican cacti. They grow in hot and dry regions in the east and northeast of this country.

They are common in the southern United States. The presence of felt specks on the surface of astrophytum, which botanists also call “wooly coating” or “speck”, indicates that astrophytums have developed an evolutionary mechanism that protects them from the scorching sun. Speckles effectively reflect the sun's rays, which is an excellent operating time for plants in desert spaces.

Reference. The first astrophytum was found in 1827 in Mexico by the Swiss botanist De Candol. It was a species of Astrophytum ornatum.

Species that contain as a houseplant, their photo

Familiarize yourself with the distinctive features of plant subspecies that feel great at home, as well as appreciate their rare beauty in the photo.

Astrophytum myriostigma (myriostigma, speckled)

This cactus has a speckled gray-green trunk without thorns. At a young age, it is spherical in shape, but becomes cylindrical with age. The diameter of the stem is 10-12 cm. This "star" usually has 5 rays, but their number can vary from 2 to 10. The flowers of this cactus are bright yellow to 6 cm long, sometimes their center is painted in red-orange hues. They are revealed during the day. In more detail about this wonderful variety of plants we wrote here.

Ornatum (Ornatum decorated)

Unpretentious cactus that grows very quickly. In nature, the ornatum is the highest species, reaching 2 meters in height. At home, these succulents will not be able to grow more than 30 cm with a maximum diameter of 20 cm. This species got its name due to the fact that the felt light specks are arranged in stripes, forming patterns throughout the stem. This species has straight tan thorns; their length varies from 2 to 4 cm.

Capricorne (Capricorn)

This is a "star" with 8 rays. At a young age, it has a spherical shape, then becomes cylindrical. It can grow up to 25 cm in height, with a maximum diameter of 15 cm. These cacti appear gray due to the silver specks covering the stem. This species got its name because of the long (up to 5 cm) curved brown spines. Yellow flowers with a red-orange center open in the daytime at the top of the cactus, their length is 6-7 cm.

Asterias (star)

This cactus at any age retains a spherical shape, there are no needles on it. In height, it can grow up to 8 cm, the maximum diameter is 10 cm. Yellow flowers with a red center open in the afternoon. Their length is 3 cm and their diameter is 7 cm. If a stellate astrophytum grows in a sunny place, it will acquire a bronze hue with age.

Home Care

Temperature

These cacti perfectly tolerate the summer heat, but it is desirable to provide a difference in day and night temperatures. To do this, in the summer, astrophytum is placed on a balcony or loggia. The plant must be covered from rain.

Wintering

In winter, the cactus needs a rest period, it must be placed in a ventilated room with a temperature of no higher than + 12 °.

Top dressing

In spring and summer, astrophytums are fed once a month with special fertilizers for cacti. In autumn and winter, you can’t feed.

Important! It is necessary to take half of the dose indicated on the package with fertilizer.

Lighting

These photophilous cacti will feel good on the southern windows. They need good lighting, but do not tolerate constant exposure to direct sunlight. Bright diffused lighting will be ideal for them. Young plants that are not yet accustomed to the sun's rays need to be accustomed to them gradually. In the same way, the cactus dwells on the balcony in summer. If you immediately put the plant in the sun for the whole day, burns will appear on the stem.

Priming

The best soil mixture:

• 1 part of peat soil.
• 1 part sheet.
• 1 part sod.
• 1 part of sand and fine brick chips.
• You can add crushed eggshells.

Soil acidity should be neutral. In too acidic soil, the astrophytum will die.

Pot

All astrophytums do not have a developed root system, so pots should be selected ceramic shallow and small.

Watering

In spring and summer, these cacti need rare watering only after the soil in the pot is completely dry to the bottom. Watering is necessary in the morning.

In extreme heat, watering should be reduced, as the vital processes of the plant are suspended. In late autumn and winter, astrophytums should not be watered. This is only allowed if the plant has begun to dry out, the stem has become flabby.

Attention! For astrophytums, only the bottom irrigation method can be used. That is, water needs to be poured into the pan. It is impossible to pour water directly into the pot if it falls onto the stem, and lime formations appear on it due to clogging of pores. You can only water it with filtered (or standing for a day) water at room temperature.

Transfer

Star cacti do not tolerate transplant, it is needed only if the diameter of the plant has exceeded the diameter of the pot, and the roots have entangled the whole earth.

1. the pot must be selected with drainage holes slightly larger than the previous one;
2. pour drainage of expanded clay or crushed brick at the bottom;
3. you can’t completely clean the roots of the astrophytum from the old earth, you should try to take the roots together with the earth lump and place in a new pot;
4. the root neck should be placed at the same height above the ground as in the old pot, deepening will lead to decay and death of the astrophytum;
5. water the soil a little to make it compact;
6. lay decorative or sea stones on top so that the cactus stalk does not come into contact with the ground.

Pruning

If the astrophytum grows too long in damp earth, its stem will begin to decay. You can save the plant by pruning:

1. with a sharp knife it is necessary to cut off the upper part of the stem, untouched by rot;
2. inspect it and cut it so that there is not the slightest sign of rot left;
3. dry the open cut of the cactus for two days, laying it on the table;
4. then it can be planted in a new pot with properly selected soil and good drainage;
5. within a few weeks, the remaining part of the astrophytum will take root, watering at this time should be done carefully and moderately so as not to ruin them.

Seed propagation

Astrophytums do not have “children” (lateral processes), they reproduce only by seeds, keeping viability for 1-2 years.

1. seeds are sown in the ground in spring at an air temperature of + 22 °;
2. before sowing for 10 minutes soak in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, and then dried;
3. the best soil: a mixture of river sand, sheet soil and crushed charcoal in equal proportions;
4. you can cover the pot with a bag or a jar to speed up the emergence of seedlings;
5. seeds germinate in a few days;
6. before emergence and after, the soil must be moistened, but moderately, if you overdo it, the plants will die.

We offer to watch a video of planting astrophytum: “Reproduction of cacti by seeds. Care for astrophytum seedlings "

Features of selection in the open field

Astrophytums feel comfortable in the open ground only in warm regions where there is no frost in the winter. In regions with a temperate climate, planting in open ground is possible only in large greenhouses. Special climatic conditions comfortable for cacti are created. Features of care and reproduction in special greenhouses are no different from growing astrophytums at home on the windowsill.

When and how does it bloom?

All astrophytums bloom at an early age. An exception is the ornatum, flowers will appear on it only if the cactus reaches a height of 15 cmAs a rule, for this he needs 6 years.

Yellow flowers (in some species with a red center) always appear at the apex. They hold for 2-3 days, after which they quickly fade. In their place forms a green oval box with brown seeds. When they mature, the box opens at the top of the stem in the form of a star.

What if buds do not form?

• Perhaps the cactus is still too young, you should not wait for the plants to bloom before 3 years of age.
• For astrophytums, wintering at the right temperature is very important, at which time future flowers are formed. Most often, the reason for the lack of flowering can be too high or low wintering temperatures.
• Abundant watering can lead to decay of the roots and stem, then the cactus is not up to flowering if it dies.
• It is necessary to ensure astrophytum proper care in compliance with all conditions of temperature, watering, lighting and top dressing, only in this case the cactus will please you with flowers.

Diseases and Pests

• Stains of soft rot and a shriveled stem indicate excessive watering, often decay is manifested precisely in winter.
• Astrophytum does not grow with insufficient watering in the summer and waterlogging in the winter.
• Cork spots on the stem indicate irrigation with hard water, lack of moisture in the summer, or local pest damage.
• The elongated long stalk of an astrophytum of an uncharacteristic form for it indicates that the cactus does not have enough light, it reaches for it.
• Of the pests, astrophytums are most often affected by the scab, root and mealybugs. Signs: small brown motionless plaques are visible on the cactus, they are removed by picking up with a toothpick or pin.

Similar flora

• Kleistocactus Strauss.
• Mammillaria bokasskaya.
• Rebucia is tiny.
• Freilea Castanea.
• Echinocereus.

All of them have a spherical shape of the stem, and flowering is located on top. With all the recommendations for caring for astrophytums, these cacti will become a decoration of your home. and will delight you with luxurious bright colors. This is the best indoor plant for those who often leave for a short time. Drought-tolerant astrophytums will survive this separation from the owner without any problems.

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