Astrophytum asterias is a small cactus that does not have any thorn and produces spectacular yellow flowers. With very basic care it can be enjoyed for many years, since it is resistant to drought and only needs sun and fertilizer to be happy.
If you want to expand your collection of succulents or start it on the right foot, we recommend you get a copy ... and provide the care that we indicate below.
What are their characteristics?
Our protagonist is a cactus native to Tamaulipas and Nuevo León in Mexico, and from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas (United States) whose scientific name is Astrophytum asterias. It develops a spherical and flattened stem up to 10cm in diameter and with a maximum height of 5cm. The ribs are divided by deep grooves, and in their center are the areoles, which are large, prominent, spherical, white and felted.
The flowers emerge from the center of the cactus and measure 3cm in length by 6,5cm in diameter. The petals are yellow and the central part is orange. The fruit measures 1cm and inside there are numerous seeds of less than 0,5cm in length, black in color.
How do you take care of yourself?
Once you have the copy at home, we recommend you take care of it in the following way:
- Location: outside, in full sun.
- Substratum: it must have very good drainage. Ideally, use 100% pumice or mixed with 30% river sand previously washed.
- Irrigation: once a week in summer and every 15-20 days the rest of the year.
- Subscriber: from spring to late summer with a specific liquid fertilizer for cacti following the indications specified on the package.
- Transplant: every 2 years, in spring.
- Rusticity: it resists up to -2ºC if it is for a short time, but it is better not to drop below 0º. If you live in an area where winter is colder, it should be protected inside the home, in a room where a lot of natural light enters.
What did you think of this cactus?