How do you care for a Astrophytum asterias? The complete guide is here
Actually, this counts as a fairly tough succulent and is not especially hard to grow!
So their care is relatively simple too!
Thanks to netizen: Uncle Wolf for the material
Basic care of Astrophytum asterias
The native habitat of Astrophytum asterias is eastern Mexico, where the rainy season brings lots of rain and is very muggy!
But over time, it gradually developed its stress resistance!
Astrophytum asterias mostly grows under low shrubs in weaker light, and in eastern Mexico the sunlight is extremely harsh!
The soil is formed from the leaves that shrubs drop in autumn and that then rot. The soil holds water fairly well, 2/3 of the body is buried in the soil, and the roots grow straight down!
The soil for Astrophytum asterias
Taking wild varieties home to grow and acclimatize is said to be very difficult!
The hardest part is mixing the soil!
Try to choose something as close as possible to the native habitat!
Choosing soil that holds water without becoming too wet and that drains well is very important!
In terms of water retention, a mix based mainly on akadama is very good and can grow thick roots that grow straight down!
Soil based mainly on sand, however, produces finer roots in Astrophytum asterias. Next, for drainage the soil should be sifted to remove fine particles, and in this way the problem of root rot caused by overwatering is solved.
But there is also the problem that the soil dries out easily, and this can only be solved by each person adjusting their own watering rhythm!
The pot for Astrophytum asterias
Actually, when it comes to choosing a flower pot, there is not much fuss to make either!
It is not especially picky about pots!
From an aesthetic point of view, choosing fired ceramic and similar pots is beyond question!
But from a cultivation standpoint, I recommend using black plastic orchid pots, and with the soil mix above there is no problem at all!
When it comes to how much a pot warms up, there is nothing better than a plastic pot!
This is not limited to Astrophytum asterias; the root growth of all cactus plants depends on a rise in soil temperature.
A warm flower pot is an important thing, and from this point of view a black plastic pot is very ideal.
Also, keep spacing between the flower pots, and never forget to give the pots plenty of sunlight.
Watering Astrophytum asterias
Because of the environment of its habitat, Astrophytum asterias loves water very much!
It is best to keep the soil moist at all times!
During the growing season from April to October, water from the top about once every 3 months, and during the winter dormant period also water once every 2 weeks!
Cutting off water completely is physiologically bad for Astrophytum asterias and is the cause of creases forming at its waist!
Plenty of sunlight and a strong root system carry Astrophytum asterias through the cold winter!
Shading for Astrophytum asterias
Give Astrophytum asterias the best sunlight, although it can tolerate fairly strong light!
But its native habitat has always been under shrubs.
It loves soft sunlight!
In summer use 50% shading, observe the color of Astrophytum asterias, and adjust it to suit your own environment!