Description
Contrarily to the normal Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto that has only a mosaic of small spaced ± rounded white dots the “snow type” differ for the dense white covering of dots that almost conceal the epidermis, this particular form is also called “Snow white”, or “White form”. This intense white covering is not seen in most of the normal ‘Super Kabuto’ seedlings and will change and emphasize as a plant ages.
Monstrous form: This monstrous form produces odd bumped shapes with lots of small, compact branches along the stem. There are several monstrous clones mainly selected by Asian growers, and it is possible to find clones with different degrees of monstrosity or deformity. The flowers shows a great degree of variability too. Maybe we can call it a freak? Despite to its beauty it is still very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features. The plant in cultivation are almost always seen grafted on columnar cacti.
Habit: It is a small low growing cactus that will slowly forms irregular groups up to 30 cm (or more ) in diameter with age.
Stem: Bumped and variously branched completely concealed by tufts of bright white hairy scales.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)
Cultivation and Propagation
Although regarded as a choice and difficult plant is not too difficult in a greenhouse, but grows quite slowly. It is sometime seen as a grafted plant but it can grows on its own roots too. Use mineral well permeable mineral soil with little organic matter (peat, humus). Water sparingly from March till October (weekly during summertime, if the weather is sunny enough), with a little fertilizer added. keep perfectly dry in winter at temperatures from 5 to 15 degrees centigrade. (but it is relatively cold resistant and hardy to -7° (-10°)C for short periods) In the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!! They need a good amount of light shade to full sun this help to keep the plants healthy, although slow growth. Be careful: The epidermis of Superkabuto is harder than in the normal asterias and cracks easily if plants are overwatered.
Propagation: Grafting or cuttings. Plants are usually grafted onto column-shaped cacti but proved to be able to produce their own roots if degrafted.