Cactus Niveum (Astrophytum niveum) 6 seeds

Cactus Niveum - Astrophytum niveum - 6 seeds

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

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 suitable only after the substrate has completely dried out. If water remains in the saucer, pour it out. In winter, plants can be misted. We repot early in spring or in summer, during growth stagnation. Cacti overwinter at eight to twelve degrees Celsius completely without watering. In winter, heated apartments do not suit them. It is therefore 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 into special substrate. It contains 2 parts fine sand and 1 part soil. We sow seeds on the surface of the substrate. Plastic containers with holes are suitable. Water thoroughly. Cover containers with glass or plastic lid. Place seedlings in a warm, bright location. Direct sun can destroy seeds or seedlings. Cold-loving species germinate at temperatures around twenty-five, heat-loving species at temperatures above thirty degrees Celsius. Ventilate smaller plants regularly. When seedlings reach 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, crushed brick, perlite or similar material increasing drainage is suitable. Garden soil is suitable as substrate in this mixture.

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

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

  A significant problem is rot. This is caused by permanently wet soil or molds. Cut off the rotten part, let it dry, and after some time try to re-root the plant. If the plant is heavily infected, the probability of saving it is low.

  Fusarium rot causes wilting of cacti. Plants lose their shine, pale and individual segments wilt, gradually the entire plants wilt from the disease.

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