Astrophytum coahuilense 'Hakuran'

Scientific Name

Astrophytum coahuilense 'Hakuran'

Synonym(s)

Astrophytum coahuilense f. monstruosa, Astrophytum coahuilense 'Kikko'

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Astrophytum

Origin

Astrophytum coahuilense 'Hakuran' is a cultivar of Astrophytum coahuilense selected for its long tubercles.

Description

Astrophytum coahuilense 'Hakuran', also known as Astrophytum coahuilense 'Kikko', is a small, slow-growing cactus with a spinless, usually five-ribbed stem with long pointed tubercles along the ribs. The stem can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.

The flowers are yellow with a red throat and appear at the top of the stems from spring to summer.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 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 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 simply 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. Protect your hands before repotting due to their stiff spikes, lift the plant out all at once, and then replace it in a larger pot and backfill with soil.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Astrophytum.

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