Description
This cultivar varies from the typical A. asterias only for the white flecks that condense, forming characteristic cloud-like patches.
Stem: Dimension 3-7cm tall, 5-10 cm in diameter.
Ribs: Usually 8.
Flowers: Like those of A. asterias, yellow with a red throat.
Blooming season: Spring to summer.
Remarks: This is one of the most famous and appreciated Japanese cultivars, the name means “cloudy sky” and refers to the characteristic maculated epidermis.
Origin and Habitat
Japan, Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)
Cultivation and Propagation
Although regarded as a choice and difficult plant in cultivation, it is relatively easy to grow. It is sometime seen as a grafted plant, but grows very well on its own roots too. Use mineral, well permeable substratum with little organic matter (peat, humus). Water sparingly from March until October, and keep perfectly dry in winter, at temperatures from 5 to 15 degrees centigrade. (but it is Hardy to -7°C for short periods). In the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!!
Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun.
Propagation: Almost exclusively by seed. Plants are sometimes grafted onto column-shaped cacti.
