Astrophytum MIXED

Astrophytum MIXED - Astrophytum Mix, random mix of seeds of various species and cultivars.

Astrophytum is a genus of succulent plants in the Cactaceae family, comprising 6 species and numerous cultivars 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, globose or cylindrical, ribbed bodies and 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, light, felted, marbled patterns on the stem surface 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 wither after a couple or three days. With proper care, flowering lasts for an extended period, from spring until late autumn. Fleshy pubescent fruits with thin skin contain black or brown seeds.

Before sowing, 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 solution of potassium permanganate, then air-dried and surface-sown onto 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 light, but not sun, at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F), with a lowering of night temperature to 15-18 °C (59-64 °F) desirable. Regular ventilation is carried out and uniform moisture is maintained.

Seedlings emerge within 10-30 days, depending on temperature and humidity. The maximum germination period can be over 45 days. Caution must be exercised with watering so as not to ruin the sprouts. Pricking out is carried out upon the appearance of 2-3 true tubercles, after which plants are transplanted into individual containers. Seedlings, somewhat larger than in other globose cacti at this time, develop slowly but stably. Flowering occurs in the 4th-6th year subject to a dormancy regime and good lighting.

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

Watering is carried out moderately, after the substrate has dried out, completely soaking the root ball with water. During 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 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 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, trying not to damage the root system, as new roots regrow with difficulty. Astrophytum is potted on into a pot not much larger, so that it just fits inside. Repotting is carried out from dry soil into 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, with an interval of 5-6 years and only if the roots completely encircle the root ball.

During the growing season, once every 4 weeks, plants are fed with specialized fertilizers for cacti with reduced nitrogen content, at a diluted concentration. Fertilizers are not 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 formed.