What are the cultivation methods for Astrophytum asterias? Experienced growers offer tips

Everyone knows about cacti; they belong to the cactus family of plants. Among this type of plant there is also one called Astrophytum asterias. However, unlike ordinary cacti, Astrophytum asterias is a spineless plant, and it has white star-shaped cottony hairs. Most of those who like it do so because of its smaller form, but some friends do not quite understand how to grow it and ran into some problems. Today, we will talk about how to grow Astrophytum asterias.

Astrophytum asterias flowering display picture

Cultivation methods for Astrophytum asterias:

Astrophytum asterias can be obtained by sowing, and you can also harvest the seeds yourself, but growers need to understand that Astrophytum asterias is cross-pollinated, and two Astrophytum asterias that are not related by kinship are needed for pollination before seeds can be produced. Astrophytum asterias generally can bloom when it grows to a diameter of 5 cm.

Potted Astrophytum asterias display picture

Astrophytum asterias does not like pure granular potting mix with large particles. Such potting mix can only ensure the survival of Astrophytum asterias and reduce the chance of root rot, but such potting mix will cause Astrophytum asterias to have very few fibrous roots, making its growth slow down or stagnate. Some growers may also have noticed that when repotting, the main root of Astrophytum asterias is very thick and strong, but the fine roots are very few, or there are almost no fibrous roots. This is basically caused by the potting mix being too coarse.

Since last year, I (an experienced grower) have added two media, small-particle perlite and peat, each at about 10%, to my potting mix on top of the original larger-particle potting materials such as akadama, orchid stone and pumice. From this repotting, it can be seen that the root-growing effect is very good.

As for the reason, I personally think that Astrophytum asterias prefers water, and the gaps in pure large-particle potting mix are too large and dry too quickly, so the fine roots of Astrophytum asterias cannot attach, which affects the absorption of water and nutrients, causing the fine roots to repeatedly root, die, root again, and die again. Adding some small-particle potting mix and peat will greatly improve the growth and absorption environment for the fine roots, thereby growing a flourishing root system.

It should be mentioned here that although it has been explained that Astrophytum asterias prefers water, this does not mean that waterlogging is allowed. When caring for Astrophytum asterias in summer, when the light is strong, it should be properly shaded, otherwise it is easily sunburned. Also, when watering, avoid splashing mud onto it.

The above is the relevant introduction in this article. I believe that after reading it, you also have a simple understanding of this. If needed, you can continue to follow No. 1 Home Network to learn more information.