Astrophytum( star cactus)
Its second name is typically desert cacti of the genus Astrophytum for the original structure of the stem with pronounced small( 5 - 8 pieces) massive ribs, on the cut the stalk looks like a star. Another characteristic feature is the presence of small bunches of short, woolly soft hairs, which makes these cacti seem to be covered with white specks. As a rule, these are rather large, but slowly growing cacti;their stems are never branching. Another generic feature of astrophytums is the structure of the flower: the corolla tube is always pubescent, the flowers large, funnel-shaped, wide-open.
The most commonly cultivated species in the room: Astrophytum stellate * The smallest species;the stem is flattened-globose, the ribs are marked very
slightly, dark green;There are no thorns, there are a lot of white specks;flowers up to b cm in diameter, golden yellow with red yawn, fruits are greyish-red. Astrophytum of Capricorn * Stem is spherical or slightly elongated, ribs 8 - 9, acute, high;spines only in mature specimens, small, thin, long, curved to apex, rapidly fall off;speckles brownish, with time become white;flowers yellow with carmine or red throat, some varieties are pure yellow;fruits are elongated, red. Astrophytum speckled * Young specimens are globose, but with age, the stems are stretched, the ribs are usually five, the stem is greyish-green;There are no thorns, areoles are covered with brown hairs that disappear with age, white flecks are numerous;flowers widely open( they are sometimes called the "Episcopal Miter"), yellow, they can appear up to 3 pieces. The most unpretentious species of this genus. Astrophytum senile * Young stems are spherical, old - cylindrical, green, ribs eight, sharp edges near the apex, they spirally twist;There are no thorns, speckles only on young specimens;flowers up to 6 cm in diameter, yellow with reddish throat, fruits oblong, red. Astrophytum decorated * Young stems are globose, old - columnar, gray-green in color, ribs eight, sharp edges near the apex, they spirally twist;spines are subulate, reddish or brownish, the speckles are arranged in an arcuate pattern;flowers appear only on old plants, up to 9 cm in diameter, light yellow. Pretty unpretentious view.
Features:
Requirement for moisture: in winter, watering stops almost completely. Very drought-resistant.
Temperature conditions: in winter, temperatures below 10 ° C are optimal, except astrocytoma of the star, which requires temperatures in the range of 12-15 ° C.Light mode: the most photophile. Demand for soil: very demanding on the soil( the composition is named above).
Reproduction: in addition to common for all cactus ways, even freshly picked seeds.
Other features: poorly tolerates transplantation, if necessary, it is better to replace it with transshipment. It is very important not to bury the root neck in the soil, it is recommended to cover it with small pebbles for stability.