Scientific Name
Astrophytum asterias 'Ooibo Kabuto'
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Astrophytum
Origin
Astrophytum asterias 'Ooibo Kabuto' is a Japanese cultivar of Astrophytum asterias.
Description
Astrophytum asterias 'Ooibo Kabuto' is very similar to the species, but while Astrophytum asterias has small, scarcely woolly areoles, this cultivar has very large woolly areoles. Depending on the clone, the color of the wool varies from pure white to pastel, yellowish, orangish, or brownish.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Astrophytums are not vigorous plants, requiring a lot of patience to reach their full potential. Keep regularly watering and feeding them during the growing season and repot annually to give them space to develop. They also need a temperate, dry winter, and make sure not to overwater them to avoid rotting their roots. They will develop marvelous flowers if given adequate care once they reach maturity. Watch out for common cactus pests like aphids and scale, as well. These can often be taken care of by a good eco-friendly pesticide or wiped away with a cloth.
Repot regularly to help them develop. Astrophytums should be repotted at the beginning of the growing season for best results, allowing them to grow into the impressive specimens for which the genus is known. Due to their stiff spikes, protect your hands before repotting. Lift the plant out all at once, replace it in a larger pot, and backfill the soil. Don't overwater or overfeed newly repotted cacti, as disturbances can be hard on them.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Astrophytum.
Links
- Back to genus Astrophytum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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