Astrophytum asterias is a desert cactus also known as the sea urchin cactus. As with all desert cacti, caring for them indoors is not easy. Astrophytum usually lacks sufficient direct sunlight. How do you properly care for Astrophytum asterias?
How do I care for Astrophytum asterias properly?
To properly care for Astrophytum asterias, water moderately with lime-free water, use liquid fertilizer monthly during the growth phase, repot if necessary and keep the cactus cooler and bright in winter, watering sparingly and not fertilizing.
How do you water Astrophytum asterias correctly?
During the growth phase, water moderately with lime-free water. Allow the substrate to dry out between waterings. Be sure to avoid waterlogging!
Astrophytum asterias copes well with low humidity. However, the cactus likes it if you occasionally spray it with a little water. But you then have to reduce the amount of watering.
What should you pay attention to when fertilizing?
Fertilizing is not absolutely necessary. If you don't want to do without fertilizer completely, it is sufficient if you administer liquid fertilizer at monthly intervals during the growth phase.
When is it time to repot?
You only need to repot Astrophytum asterias when the pot is completely rooted. Repotting takes place in early spring. Shake off the old substrate well before placing the cactus in a larger container with fresh soil.
After repotting, do not fertilize Astrophytum for several months.
Are there diseases and pests?
Too much moisture causes root rot. The Astrophytum suffers relatively often from root lice. So please check back every now and then.
The following pests also occur:
- Mealybugs
- mealybugs
- Thrips
When does Astrophytum asterias take a break?
The sea urchin cactus rests in winter. During this time it will be placed cooler but brightly. While normal room temperatures are sufficient in summer, these should be reduced to seven to ten degrees in winter. As long as it is warm enough outside, you can cultivate the cactus outdoors.
How to care for Astrophytum asterias in winter?
Water the Astrophytum asterias very sparingly during the winter. The earth can dry out. The sea urchin cactus is not fertilized in winter.
Tip
The substrate for Astrophytum asterias should not be too nutritious. A mixture of two parts compost-based soil and one part sharp sand (€5.00 on Amazon) or perlite is recommended. Good permeability is important to avoid waterlogging.
