Scientific Name
Astrophytum asterias (Zucc.) Lem.
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus asterias
Common Name(s)
Sand Dollar Cactus, Sea Urchin Cactus, Star Cactus, Star Peyote
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Astrophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "asterias" (pronounced "ass-TEER-ee-as") means "starfish; star-like" and refers to the overall star-like or sea-urchin-like appearance of the stems when viewed from above.
Description
Astrophytum asterias is a small, spineless cactus with a solitary spherical, apically depressed dark green stem with 5 to 11, generally 8 ribs, and woolly areoles. The stem can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter.
In spring, yellow flowers with orange-red centers appear, reaching a diameter of 3 inches (7.5 cm). The fruits are green, pink, or grayish-red and covered with dense woolly hairs.
Origin
Astrophytum asterias is native to small parts of Texas in the United States and Mexico.
Cultivars
- Astrophytum asterias 'Ooibo Kabuto'
- Astrophytum asterias 'Shinshowa Red'
- Astrophytum asterias 'Super Kabuto'
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 and require considerable patience to reach their full potential. Keep watering and feeding them regularly during the growing season, and repot annually to give them space to develop. They need a temperate, dry winter, and make sure not to overwater them to avoid root rot. They will develop marvelous flowers if given sufficient 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 the genus is known for. Protect your hands before repotting because the plant's stiff spikes can be sharp. Lift the plant out all at once, and then replace it in a larger pot and backfill with soil. Do not 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
Photo Gallery
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