Astrophytum myriostigma 'Onzuka Quadricostatum'

Scientific Name

Astrophytum myriostigma 'Onzuka Quadricostatum'

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

Astrophytum myriostigma 'Onzuka Quadricostatum' is a form of Astrophytum myriostigma 'Onzuka'.

Description

Astrophytum myriostigma 'Onzuka Quadricostatum' is a form of Astrophytum myriostigma 'Onzuka' with four ribs instead of five and a snowy-white, heavily speckled epidermis with fabulous markings. The stem is quadrangular to almost spherical and can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall and 8 inches (20 cm) across, becoming shortly columnar with age. The white markings vary considerably from plant to plant, and there exist an enormous number of different designs.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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 and lift the plant out all at once, then replace it in a larger pot and backfill with 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.

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