Description zvezdovidnogo Astrophytums, care, types, transplant photos
Astrophytum – a plant native to most tropical countries of North America. Outwardly, it resembles a cactus in the shape of a star with small spines. From the most common cacti they are distinguished by the presence of small bright points on Astrophytums trunk. As thorns, these speck play the role of an additional tank, where for a long time retains moisture.
Astrophytum has several ribs, spikes which grow depending on the species, they can be small or large and bent. Flowering Astrophytums largely depends on the proper care and if you perform simple rules, you can in a few days to enjoy the big yellow or red-tinged flowers. Themselves flowers retain their beauty for long.
Forms Astrophytums
Astrophytum asterias – kind of cactus which has no thorns. Cactus has a hemispherical shape of gray-green color, Astrophytums size can reach 10-15 cm in diameter. Because of its unusual shape was another name – the sea urchin. It consists of 6 or 8 ribs, which are covered with white fuzz. Good going through the heat, but it is necessary to prevent exposure to direct rays directly to the plant. It is best to have Astrophytum somewhere in the shade or partial shade. It blooms in summer large yellow flowers with red middle.
Astrophytum capricorne – got its name because of the unusual shape of the spines, which are twisted and resemble horns. Spines are located on the edges 8 cactus. Young plant has the shape of a ball, with age Astrophytum begins to actively grow up, reaching 25 cm. The color of the barrel is usually dark green with light spots, characteristic only for Astrophytum. Astrophytum ibex has large flowers are yellow with a red tint.
Astrophytum myriostigma – kind of a cactus without thorns. The plant is dark green in color on the edges of which are located bright spot with a little fuzz. Very easy to clean and fits well into the interior. The form can be spotted Astrophytums diverse: round, oval, cylindrical. Under natural conditions, it reaches 2 m in length and beautiful flowers, does not bloom in housing conditions and reaches only 25-30 cm.
Astrophytum ornatum – has a lot of thorns because of which got the name. At home Astrophytum can grow up to 2 m and bloom into adulthood, at home, even with a perfect care does not bloom and reaches only 20-30 cm. Color Astrophytum decorated with a unique pattern due to the light and dark green stripes on a plant stem.
In our time, a host of different kinds of Astrophytum, as a consequence of a natural crossbreeding plants and thanks to the efforts of breeders. Thus, for example, are very popular forms of Astrophytum withdrawn by Japanese scientists. They are impressive variety of shapes and colors – onzuko.
Proper care Astrophytums
Astrophytum originally from tropical countries, is very fond of light, but is afraid of direct sunlight. It grows best in sunny windows or balcony. You can also make the yard, but leave somewhere in the shadows.
It tolerates large temperature drops, so even desirable to feel the difference between day and night temperatures. To do this, you can leave Astrophytum on the balcony or in the yard, but make sure that the plant is not exposed to rain. The optimum temperature of 20-25 degrees in the summer, winter – 10.
Additionally humidify the air is not necessary, Astrophytum well tolerated dry air.
Watering should be implemented as drying of the soil in the summer, and in winter it is better to stop watering. In the cold Astrophytum better watered only when there are signs of desiccation: wilting and much dry soil.
To feed can be a special fertilizer for cacti, but dilute it with water more than specified in the instructions. This procedure is repeated not more than 1 time per month.
Astrophytum grows slowly, so you need to carry out a transplant is rare. To do this, take the pot more previous to the roots was free. Take care of good drainage in the pot, and you can use crushed brick or stones on the bottom of the pot, it will prevent water stagnation.
When choosing a soil for Astrophytums important to pay attention to its acidity, it should not be too acidic. soil can be mixed in to the home, it took turf, sheet, peat earth and stones and broken bricks for drainage. It’s all mixed in equal proportions, and the soil is ready for Astrophytum.
New Astrophytums can be grown from seeds. To seeds well and quickly matured, it is necessary to adhere to the temperature and watering.
Pest and disease resistant. The only danger carries excessive watering. Because of this, the roots rot and the plant dies quickly.