Astrophytum MYRIOSTIGMA 'TAMAULIPENSE'

Astrophytum MYRIOSTIGMA 'TAMAULIPENSE' - Tamaulipas bishop's cap, Astrophytum myriostigma 'Tamaulipense'.

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

Representatives of the genus are known for solitary, spherical or cylindrical, ribbed stems and virtually no spines, although some species do have a few curved needles. The surface can be smooth or covered with white scales that form unusual, light, felt-like, marbled patterns on the stem surface capable of absorbing moisture. There are no leaves; the plant body is green, often with a glaucous coating, adorned with areoles bearing spines.

The cacti grow very slowly, but bloom early with large, funnel-shaped, yellow flowers, sometimes with a red center, located at the top of the stem. The flowers usually wither after a couple of days. With proper care, flowering lasts for a long time, from spring to late autumn. Fleshy pubescent fruits with thin skin contain black or brown seeds.

Tamaulipas bishop's cap has a gray-green cylindrical stem. The ribs, five in number, are sharp and arranged spirally. There are numerous white flecks on the ribs.

Before sowing, seeds are soaked for 3-6 hours in warm water with the addition of stimulants (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. The sowing is moistened with 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 night temperature drop to 15-18 °C (59-64 °F). Regular ventilation is performed and uniform moisture is maintained.

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

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

Watering is carried out moderately, after the substrate dries out, completely soaking the root ball with water. In the winter period, watering is excluded. With the onset of the growing season, the ambient temperature is gradually raised above 12 °C (54 °F); at temperatures below this, the plant is unable to absorb water. The first watering is performed carefully and with a small amount of water.

For cultivation, a stable and shallow pot with a mandatory drainage layer is selected. A mineral substrate with the addition of sand, gravel, and brick chips is used. Repotting is carried out in spring, carefully, trying not to damage the root system, as new roots grow back with difficulty. The astrophytum is potted on into a pot not much larger in size, just enough to accommodate it. Repotting is carried out from dry soil to dry soil; watering is done after 5-7 days so that damaged roots can 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 root ball.

During the growing season, plants are fertilized once every 4 weeks with special fertilizers for cacti with reduced nitrogen content, at a diluted concentration. Fertilizers are not applied during the dormancy period. The plants poorly tolerate high calcium content in the soil. Shaping is not required. Propagation is carried out by seeds. Offshoots are not formed.