Cactus Myriostigma (Astrophytum myriostigma) 6 seeds

Astrophytum myriostigma

Astrophytum are Central American cacti that grow mainly in Mexico and the surrounding border areas. They are highly decorative and have no spines. They are usually five-ribbed, which is why they are called star cacti. The Astrophytum genus is resistant to dry air. The flowers are predominantly in yellow shades.

Myriostigma has a body formed by five (exceptionally seven) vertical ribs, which look very decorative. The appearance of the cactus is enhanced by a yellow flower that blooms from the center of the cactus.

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 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 well. 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 well. Cover the containers with glass or a plastic lid. Place seedlings in a warm, bright place. Direct sun can destroy our 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 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, crushed brick, perlite or similar material increasing permeability 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 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 woolly tufts on the surface of cacti, or root mealybugs, which parasitize the roots of plants. Spider mites suck out surface cells of the cactus, which then takes on gray-green to orange colors, stops growing and may also die. We treat plants with suitable insecticides.

  Rot is a significant problem. This is caused by permanently wet soil or mold. We cut off the rotted part, let it dry, and after some time try to re-root the plant. If the plant is heavily infested, the probability of saving it is low.

  Fusarium rot causes cacti to wilt. Plants lose their shine, fade 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 mold. It is advisable to use special fungicides.