What are the care of the Astrophytum cactus?

The cactus of the genus Astrophytum is very ornamental. Growing to only 50 centimeters in height at most, it is a perfect plant to have in pots. What's more, its cultivation and maintenance is very simple, so much so that if you don't have much experience in cactus, they are a very good option to start your collection.

You do not believe me? Well follow our advice on caring for the Astrophytum cactus and see for yourself. 🙂

Astrophytum main characteristics

Our protagonist is a genus of cactus native to Mexico. It is made up of six species: A. asterias, A. myriostigma, a. capricorne, A. ornamentum, A. senile y A. Coahuila, although without a doubt the best known and most cultivated are the first four. It is characterized by having a more or less globular shape that can become a little columnar over the years. In spring and summer they produce beautiful white or yellowish flowers that emerge from the center of each plant..

As they are small in size and grow slowly, they are used above all in pots, but they are also highly recommended for rockeries and garden gardens. succulents.

How are these cacti cared for?

Did you just get a copy? Provide the best care:

• Location: outside, in full sun. It can be indoors as long as it is in a room with plenty of natural light.
• Soil or substrate: it must have very good drainage. In the case that it is kept in a pot, we recommend mixing coarse sand (pumice, akadama, perlite) with black peat.
• Subscriber: from spring to early autumn with Nitrofoska Azul or with a liquid fertilizer for cacti following the indications specified on the package.
• Planting or transplanting time: in spring. It needs a pot change every 2 years.
• Plagues and diseases: it is very resistant, but you have to be careful with snails and with excess watering.
• Multiplication: by seeds in spring-summer. Direct sowing in seedbed.
• Rusticity: it supports light and occasional frosts of up to -2ºC, but it must be protected from hail.

Enjoy your cactus.