ASTROPHYTUM – GROWING CACTUS IN HOME CONDITIONS
ASTROPHYTUM CAPRICORNS – PHOTO
I would like to acquaint readers with one of the flowering cacti from my small collection - Astrophytum capricorne (capricorn).
ABOUT BLOSSOMING
I like astrophytum not only for its appearance, but also so, that constantly blooms - from early spring to late autumn with each newly regrown areola. Flowers appear at a very young age.
My first had a diameter 5 cm (in 2 times larger than the cactus itself). In an adult plant, their diameter reaches 8-10 cm. And also this amazing silky shine gold color and a fiery red middle! Flowers open wide in the presence of direct sunlight and stay alone (rarely two, if it's cool) day.
Due to the peculiarity of such constant flowering, I feed astrophytum a little at the time of the formation of each new bud with the fertilizer "Bona Forte for Cacti" with a red cap.
ASTROPHITUM WINNING
Cool and completely dry preferred. Since I do not have such an opportunity, sometimes I water astrophytum: a little and very carefully - in the morning on a sunny day, so that the earth does not dry out too much.
CONTENT OF ASTROPHYTHUM – CARE
ASTROPHYTUM AT HOME
There are many factors to consider: temperature, lighting, humidity, pot volume, location, earth mix… Just learn to love and understand your pets, and they will prompt.
AT LEAST one piece of advice will work for everyone: if you suddenly noticed, that the cactus stopped growing, changed color, "Blown away" in volume, and no external influences and pests were found, transfer immediately.
Remove the plant from the pot, rinse in warm water and carefully examine the roots and root collar. Surely there is a reason. By the way, I always use purchased land for planting cacti, which contains river sand, - quite suitable for planting small specimens in small containers. For large old ones in large pots, possibly, it makes sense to make up a suitable earthen mixture yourself, since peat is still not a typical soil for "thorns".
FEATURES IN CARE
- The plant does not like overflow (during growth) and is prone to decay of the root collar.
- He needs good lighting with direct rays.. The more intense the sun, the more beautiful specks on the epidermis.
- Cacti of this genus are prone to stem cracking.. If you dry out the soil in a pot, start watering little by little and carefully. Otherwise, deep cracks may form on the plant.. This will not only ruin the look, but can also lead to death when exposed to moisture or infection.
ASTROPHYTUM AT HOME
Watering cacti, always need to remember, that the same amount perishes from underfilling in the summer, how much from overflow in winter. Drying and overdrying the soil are different concepts.
© Author: Elena ZAKHARIKOVA, Ryazan region. Photo by the author
