Description
Astrophytum asterias cv. muscle recognizable for the green ribs with large creamy white areoles and for the abnormal tendency to branch forming small side pups. In cultivation there are several clones showing varies degreed of monstrosity some of them branching like mad. Seems to be a pretty variable plant with several clones. There are also some crested and monstrous forms.
Stem: Flattened on top, depressed centrally, 3-7cm tall, 5-10 cm in diameter.
Ribs: Usually 8 with raised tubercles giving them a bumpy look.
Flowers: Not known.
Remarks: This is one of the less known and strange Japanese cultivars. It is seldom seen in cactus collections.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar) Japan
Cultivation and Propagation
Astrophytum asterias cv. muscle is not too difficult in a greenhouse, although grows quite slowly. It is usually seen as a grafted plant but can grow on its own roots too.
Soil: Use a mineral well permeable soil with little organic matter (peat, humus).
Exposure: They need a good amount of light shade to full sun this help to keep the plants healthy, although slow growth. Keep well ventilated, as it is prone to root rot.
Watering: Water sparingly from March till October (weekly during summertime, if the weather is sunny enough), with a little fertilizer added. Less or no water during cold winter months, or when night temperatures remain below 10° to prevent root loss. It is sensitive to overwatering (rot prone).
Fertilization: Feeding may not be necessary at all if the compost is fresh then, feed in summer only if the plant hasn’t been repotted recently. Do not feed the plants from September onwards as this can cause lush growth which can be fatal during the darker cold months.
Hardiness: Keep perfectly dry in winter at temperatures from 5 to 15 degrees centigrade. In the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!!
Monstrous growth: Monstrous varieties of plants, where the variation from normal growth is due to genetic mutation, can occur randomly on normal plants. Sometimes it’s due to damage, but generally the causes are unknown. A monstrous plant may may revert to normal growth for no apparent reason.
Propagation: Grafting (usually) or by cuttings that are hard to root. Plants are usually grafted onto column-shaped cacti but proved to be able to produce their own roots if degrafted. Cuttings will take root in a minimum temperature of 20° C (but better in hot weather).
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