About
Astrophytum myriostigma is a spineless cactus that develops into a rounded or slightly elongated shape, typically reaching heights of up to 20 cm. Its surface exhibits prominent ribs and a grey-green coloration. During the summer months, it produces light yellow blooms, measuring around 5 cm in diameter, occasionally featuring a reddish center.
About the genus
Astrophytum consists of small, perennial cacti characterized by their ribbed, rounded or elongated stems. These plants feature areoles that may be covered in wool and occasionally have short spines. In the summer, they produce large, solitary flowers shaped like funnels, which are followed by berries that can be red or green.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Native to
- NE Mexico
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass grow in cactus compost with added limestone chippings, in bright filtered light. Lightly water in growing season but keep dry when dormant. In warmer climates outdoors grow in sharply drained, poor, slightly alkaline soil in full sun.
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown at 21°C (70°F) in early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free