Coltivation: It grow easily from seed
in cultivation. Despite being revered by many collectors, it not too
difficult.
This cactus is pretty
cold hardy and can survive to -10° C (if kept dry).
It needs to be at least 15 cm tall to
bloom . This might take no less than seven to 12 years or more
depending on the length of the
growing period in the local
climatic conditions.
A. ornatum loves a very
permeable, coarse
mineral soil as well as to be strictly
kept dry throughout the
winter quiescent period since it is
sensitive to
moisture excesses.
If potted, repot it preferably
in the spring, if its roots become cramped. Generally, it should
be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. However,
this doesn't necessarily mean it will need larger containers. Fill about
a quarter of the pot with broken crocks, gravel, etc. to promote good
drainage. After repotting, do not water for a week or more.
To prevent
rottenness it is also advisable to surround its
root neck by very rough
sand or
grit, this help a fast water
drainage and an appropriate
air circulation.
In the rest period no high atmospheric
humidity!! Feed with a high potassium
fertilizer in summer.
Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun.
( light shadow my be useful in the hottest summer days)
Diseases and pests:
Watch for infestations of
mealybug, scale insects and spider mite.
Propagation: They can be propagated easily from seed
cutting,
grafting.
Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of
Astrophytum asterias.
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