Astrophytum ASTERIAS 'ROTE BLUETE' Kultur

Astrophytum ASTERIAS 'ROTE BLUETE' Kultur - Star cactus 'Rote Bluete', Red flowering sand dollar cactus, Astrophytum asterias 'Rote Bluete'.

Astrophytum is a genus of succulent plants in the family Cactaceae, comprising 6 species and numerous cultivars and forms growing on rocky and limestone soils in the foothills and mountains of northeastern Mexico and Texas.

Representatives of the genus are known for solitary, spherical, or cylindrical ribbed bodies and a virtually complete absence of spines, although certain species still possess several curved needles. The surface can be smooth or covered with white flecks forming unusual pale, felted, marbled patterns on the stem surface capable of absorbing moisture. Leaves are absent; the body of the plant is green, often with a glaucous coating, adorned with areoles with spines.

These cacti grow very slowly, but bloom early with large, funnel-shaped yellow flowers, sometimes with a red throat, located at the stem apex. Flowers usually fade after two or three days. With proper care, flowering lasts a prolonged period, from spring to late autumn. Fleshy pubescent fruits with thin skin contain black or brown seeds.

Astrophytum asterias belongs to the "spineless" cactus type, featuring a spherical, slightly flattened stem reaching 8-10 cm (3.1-3.9 in) in diameter and 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 in) in height. On its surface, 6-8 weakly defined ribs are visible. Axillary buds (areoles) are situated along the middle of the ribs. Next to them are white flecks that give the surface of the cactus a distinct decorative appeal. Overall, the cactus resembles a sea urchin test. The diameter of its silky yellow flowers is 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 in), with a length of 3 cm (1.2 in). Their center can display a reddish hue.

Flowering begins relatively early. Flowers typically open in early summer during daytime hours. Cacti growing in a sunny spot acquire a characteristic bronzed tint over time. This species easily forms hybrids with Astrophytum myriostigma.

Before planting, seeds are soaked for 3-6 hours in warm water with the addition of stimulants (SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminozol, Epin, or Zircon), after which they are disinfected for 10 minutes in a weak potassium permanganate solution, air-dried, and sown superficially into a moist substrate consisting of leaf mold, river sand, and finely crushed charcoal in a 1:1:1 ratio. Crops are moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film or placed in a mini-greenhouse, and germinated in light, but not direct sun, at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F), preferably with a nighttime temperature drop to 15-18 °C (59-64 °F). Regular ventilation is conducted, and uniform moisture is maintained.

Seedlings appear within 10-30 days, depending on temperature and humidity. The maximum germination period can exceed 45 days. Caution with watering is required so as not to damage the sprouts. Pricking out is carried out when 2-3 true tubercles appear, after which plants are transplanted into individual containers. Seedlings, somewhat larger than those of other globular cacti at this stage, develop slowly but steadily. Flowering occurs in the 4th-6th year under proper dormancy conditions and good lighting.

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The plant is placed in a sunny location, preferably on a south or southwest window. Fresh air circulation and absence of stagnant moisture are provided. The temperature in summer is maintained at 22-30 °C (72-86 °F). In autumn, the plant is prepared for dormancy, and by winter the temperature is smoothly lowered to 10-12 °C (50-54 °F) with complete rest.

Watering is carried out moderately after the substrate dries, soaking the root ball completely with water. In the winter period, watering is excluded. With the onset of the growing season, the ambient temperature is smoothly raised above 12 °C (54 °F); at lower temperatures, the plant cannot absorb water. The first watering is performed cautiously with a small amount of water.

A stable and shallow pot with a mandatory drainage layer is selected for cultivation. A mineral substrate with the addition of sand, gravel, and crushed brick is used. Repotting is carried out in spring, carefully avoiding damage to the root system, as new roots regrow with difficulty. Astrophytum is potted on into a container only slightly larger, just enough to fit it. Repotting is performed from dry soil into dry soil; watering is done after 5-7 days so that damaged rootlets dry out. Mature plants, starting from 10 years of age, are repotted rarely, at intervals of 5-6 years, and only if roots encircle the entire soil ball.

During the growing season, plants are fed once every 4 weeks with specialized cactus fertilizers low in nitrogen, in diluted concentration. No fertilizers are applied during the dormant period. Plants do not tolerate high calcium levels in the soil well. Shaping is not required. Propagation is carried out by seeds. Offsets are not produced.