The golden star cactus potted plant, covered in bumps and spines

What is introduced below is the golden star, a succulent belonging to the cactus family. Its plant form is very compact, and its appearance is distinctive, made up of one rod-shaped bump after another, with the leaf tips covered in sharp spines, making it look like a plant that can be admired but not touched. Not many people have actually seen it.

Because of the golden star's special appearance, it also has its own special genus, the long-tubercle genus, and the succulents in it all look like this, with many long tubercles growing on the plant, so people also call it "long-tubercle eight-ribbed cactus." The surface of the golden star is covered with these long tubercles and small sharp spines, which still look quite cute.

The golden star generally grows as a single plant, but as time goes on, small side shoots keep growing from its root and stem area, gradually forming a clustering state. If you grow quite a few of them, fellow plant lovers will feel stressed when they see them.

Do not look at the pictures and think these golden star succulents are very large. In fact, they are only a few cm tall, and at most no more than 15 cm. Moreover, the plant grows plump and thick, which gives the impression that it is very large.

Some friends will also graft it onto some cactus columns, forming an even more peculiar shape. After it blooms, is it not even better? But after successful grafting, caring for it becomes even simpler.

The golden star succulent generally blooms between May and September, and the flowers are usually golden yellow. Do not judge it by its small size; in fact, its flowers are very large, and it can even bear fruit.

During care, keep a warm and dry environment, keep it cool and ventilated in summer, give appropriate scattered light, but avoid exposure to strong sunlight, especially in summer, when it should be shaded to avoid direct sunlight.

(A clustering golden star succulent overflowing its pot, do you feel overwhelmed just looking at it?)

The golden star is a very drought-tolerant succulent. The growing soil should be a sandy soil that is loose, breathable and well-draining. Avoid using garden soil directly for cultivation. Water sparingly during care, as too much water easily causes stem and root rot.

For care, pay attention to shading in summer, and provide appropriate scattered light in the other seasons. It is suitable for growing on a windowsill or balcony, placed in an east-facing or south-facing spot, avoiding frequent watering, and keeping the minimum care temperature above 7°C.