Scientific Name
Astrophytum capricorne var. niveum (K.Kayser) Backeb.
Accepted Scientific Name
Astrophytum capricorne (A. Dietr.) Britton & Rose
Common Name(s)
Goat's Horns
Synonym(s)
Astrophytum niveum, Echinocactus capricornis subsp. niveus, Echinocactus capricornis var. niveus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Astrophytum
Description
Astrophytum capricorne var. niveum is a slow-growing cactus with a small stem with usually 8 ribs and 6 to 8 spines per areole. The stem is at first spherical, becoming cylindrical with age, and can reach up to 20 inches (50 cm) in height and up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. It is green and usually densely covered with white spots. The spines are curved upward and up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) long. They are brownish-black, becoming chalk-grey as they age.
The flowers are yellow with a red or orange throat, up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) in diameter, and appear at the top of the stem in summer. Fruits are reddish, covered with woolly hairs, egg-shaped, and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Origin
Astrophytum capricorne var. niveum is native to Mexico (Coahuila). It is not accepted as a variety, and it is listed as a form of Astrophytum capricorne.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Goat's Horn Cactus is a desert cactus that loves the sun and will grow well if provided with plenty of direct sunshine. However, young specimens should be provided with indirect sunlight. Inadequate light could result in poor growth and unnatural shape.
Use alkaline, lime-based soil with good drainage as this species is rot prone.
It thrives in average room temperatures between 60 and 75 °F (16 and 24 °C ) from spring until fall. Then, from late fall to late winter, give them a resting winter at temperatures between 45 and 50 °F (7 and 10 °C).
Average indoor humidity is fine for Goat's Horn Cactus. Provide good air ventilation for healthy growth.
During the active growth period, water this cactus moderately but allow the top 3/4 of the mixture to dry out thoroughly between waterings. During the rest period, give only enough water to prevent the mixture from drying out.
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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