Capricorn Cactus (Astrophytum capricorne) 6 seeds

Cactus Capricorne - Astrophytum capricorne - 6 seeds

Astrophytum are Central American cacti that grow mostly in Mexico and the surrounding border areas. They are highly decorative. Usually five-angled, which is why they are called star cacti. The Astrophytum genus is resistant to dry air. The flowers are predominantly in yellow shades.

Capricorne is almost spherical in shape. The spines are irregular, can be up to 7 cm long, and are light brown in color. When viewed from above, they create a distinctive spiral. A yellow flower with bright yellow stamens and an orange center grows from the center of the cactus. This is a frost-resistant cactus that can withstand temperatures down to -10 °C.

How to Grow Astrophytum

• Plants need direct sunlight. South-facing windowsills are suitable. It is advisable to use settled or preferably soft water, which applies to all plants. Watering is appropriate only after the substrate has completely dried out. If water remains in the saucer, pour it out. In winter, we can mist the plants. We repot in early spring or summer, during growth stagnation. Cacti overwinter at eight to twelve degrees Celsius completely without watering. Heated apartments do not suit them in winter, so it is advisable to move them to a cold corridor or hallway. Light or darkness is not crucial for them. In summer, we water minimally - root rot could occur.

• Sowing is done in March - April in special substrate. It contains 2 parts fine sand and 1 part soil. Seeds are sown on the surface of the substrate. Plastic containers with holes are suitable. Water them. Cover the containers with glass or a plastic lid. Place the seedlings in a warm, bright place. Direct sun can destroy the seeds or seedlings. Cold-loving species germinate at temperatures around twenty-five degrees, heat-loving species at temperatures above thirty degrees Celsius. Ventilate smaller plants regularly. When the seedlings are 0.5 cm, we can transplant them. Place them in the sun only after one or two years of cultivation.

• A mixture with at least one-third coarse sand, clay aggregate, perlite, or similar material that increases permeability is suitable. Garden soil is appropriate for this mixture.

• If we repot plants regularly every year, we do not apply fertilizer. Fertilizer watering is sufficient a maximum of three times a year during the growing season. We use special fertilizer for succulents, diluted according to the instructions on the package.

• Cacti are most commonly troubled by mealybugs, root mealybugs, and spider mites. Mealybugs create small fluffy tufts on the surface of cacti, or root mealybugs that parasitize plant roots. Spider mites suck surface cells from the cactus, which subsequently acquires gray-green to orange colors, stops growing, and may also die. Treat plants with appropriate insecticides.

  Rot is a significant problem. This is caused by permanently wet soil or mold. Cut off the rotten part, let it dry, and after some time try to root the plant again. If the plant is heavily infested, the likelihood of saving it is low.

  Fusarium rot causes cacti to wilt. Plants lose their shine, fade, and individual segments wilt, gradually the entire plant becomes diseased.

  Of fungal diseases, plants are most commonly affected by powdery mildew, rust, and molds. It is advisable to use special fungicides.

Photo sources:
By Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=925999
By Jan Paulus - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=848188
By Petar43 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34246049