The botanist calls Astrophytum a whole range of desert cacti, including Astrophytum asterias. Some of these cacti can be cultivated indoors if the location and care requirements are met. How to properly care for Astrophytum.
How to properly care for an Astrophytum cactus?
Astrophytum cacti require little water, moderate watering during the growth phase and very sparse watering in winter. For optimal care, they should be kept cool and bright over the winter, kept at 18-25 degrees in the summer and supplied with liquid fertilizer every month. Watch out for diseases and pests such as root rot and spider mites.
What should you pay attention to when watering Astrophytum?
As a desert plant, the Astrophytum does not need much water. During the growth phase from spring to early autumn, water the cactus moderately. Always allow the substrate to dry out before watering again.
Be sure to avoid waterlogging. You must always pour off excess water immediately.
Water with rainwater if possible. Cacti cannot tolerate hard water.
How to fertilize Astrophytum?
Astrophytum is a frugal type of cactus that gets along with few nutrients. You should never fertilize newly repotted plants. If the cactus has been in the substrate for a long time, add some liquid fertilizer at monthly intervals from April to the beginning of September.
When does an Astrophytum need to be repotted?
The best time for repotting is early spring. Check every year whether the roots still have enough space in the pot. If the planter is still sufficient, shake off the old substrate slightly and fill the pot with fresh soil before reinserting the cactus.
If a larger pot is required, make sure that the drain hole is large enough. Fill it with fresh substrate (12.00€ on Amazon) made of one third sharp sand or perlite and two thirds potting soil.
What diseases and pests should you watch out for?
Root rot occurs if you keep the Astrophytum too wet. Check regularly to see whether root lice are bothering the cactus.
Spider mites, mealybugs and thrips also occur as pests.
How to care for Astrophytum in winter?
- Set up in a cool place at seven to ten degrees
- choose the brightest place possible
- water only very sparingly
- do not fertilize
After the winter break, you must slowly get the Astrophytum used to direct sunlight again. Increase the watering quantities slowly at first.
Tip
During the growth phase, the Astrophytum likes normal room temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees. You are welcome to put it outside in the summer if you can provide a sufficiently sunny spot.
