Astrophytum NIVEUM, Cuatrocienegas

Astrophytum NIVEUM, Cuatrocienegas - Snowy astrophytum, Astrophytum niveum.

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

Members of the genus are known for solitary, spherical, or cylindrical ribbed bodies and almost complete absence of spines, although some species do have a few curved needles. The surface can be smooth or covered with white scales forming unusual light, felted, marble patterns on the surface of the stem that are capable of absorbing moisture. There are no leaves; the plant body is green, often with a glaucous bloom, adorned with areoles with spines.

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

Astrophytum niveum differs from all known species by an extremely dense covering of thick spines resembling knitting needles.

Before sowing, seeds are soaked for 3-6 hours in warm water with the addition of stimulators (SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminosol, Epin, or Zircon), after which they are disinfected for 10 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, then air-dried and sown on the surface of a moist substrate consisting of leaf mold, river sand, and finely crushed charcoal in a 1:1:1 ratio. They are moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film or placed in a propagator, and germinated in the light, but not direct sun, at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F), preferably with night temperatures dropping 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 must be exercised so as not to ruin the sprouts. Pricking out is conducted upon the appearance of 2-3 true tubercles, after which the plants are repotted into individual containers. The seedlings, somewhat larger than those of other spherical cacti at this stage, develop slowly but steadily. Flowering occurs in the 4th-6th year when observing dormancy and good lighting.

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The plant is placed in a sunny spot, preferably on a south or south-west window. Access to fresh air and the 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 a dormant period, and by winter the temperature is smoothly lowered to 10-12 °C (50-54 °F) under complete rest.

Watering is carried out moderately, after the substrate dries out, fully soaking the soil root ball with water. In the winter period, watering is eliminated. With the arrival of the growing season, the holding temperature is smoothly raised above 12 °C (54 °F); at temperatures below this, the plant is unable to absorb water. The first watering is performed cautiously with a small amount of water.

A stable and shallow pot with an obligatory drainage layer is selected for cultivation. A mineral substrate with the addition of sand, gravel, and brick grit is used. Repotting is carried out in spring, carefully, trying not to damage the root system, since new roots regrow with difficulty. The astrophytum is potted on into a container not much larger, just enough to fit it. Repotting is carried out from dry soil into dry soil, and watering is performed 5-7 days later so that damaged roots dry out. Mature plants, starting from 10 years of age, are repotted rarely, at intervals of 5-6 years, and only if the roots have completely bound the entire root ball.

During the growing season, plants are fed once every 4 weeks with specialized fertilizers for cacti low in nitrogen, in diluted concentration. Fertilizers are not applied during dormancy. The plants tolerate elevated calcium content in the soil poorly. Shaping is not required. Propagation is carried out by seeds. Offsets are not formed.