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Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto V type f. cristatum

Family: CACTACEAE · Cultivar of Astrophytum asterias

Description

Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto V type f. cristatum is the striking crested form of one of the most intriguing variant of the famous Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto. The “V-type” form differs for the diverse pattern that form distinct v-shaped lines resembling the shape of fly’s wings. This particular form is also called “Zebra-type”,“Fly’s wings type” or “Tiger” by Thai growers. The white V-markings and striped bands are not seen in most of the normal ‘Super Kabuto’ seedlings, and will change and emphasize with age. The crested form - despite to its beauty - is still very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features.

Stem: Fan shaped, flattened on top, depressed centrally.

Origin and Habitat

Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar). There are several forms mainly selected by Asian growers, particularly in Japan.

Cultivation and Propagation

It 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.

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. (but it is relatively cold resistant and hardy to -5° C, or possibly colder for short periods) In the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!! (Temperature Zone: USDA 9-11)

Crested growth: Unlike ‘monstrose’ varieties of plants, where the variation from normal growth is due to genetic mutation, crested growth can occur on normal plants. Sometimes it’s due to variances in light intensity, or damage, but generally the causes are unknown. A crested plant may have some areas growing normally, and a cresting plant that looks like a brain, may revert to normal growth for no apparent reason. If you have any of the crested part left you need to remove the normal growth and leave the crested part behind this will need to be done regularly.

Propagation: Grafting or cuttings. 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). Cuttings of healthy shoots can be taken in the spring and summer. Cut the stem with a sharp, sterile knife, leave the cutting in a warm, dry place for a week or weeks (depending on how thick the cutting is) until a callus forms over the wound. Once the callus forms, the cutting may be inserted in a container filled with firmed cactus potting mix topped with a surface layer of coarse grit. They should be placed in the coarse grit only; this prevents the cut end from becoming too wet and allows the roots to penetrate the rich compost underneath. The cuttings should root in 2 to 6 weeks. Large crested piece must be placed on the soil surface without burying the plant base down in the soil.

Bibliography

Major reference and further lectures

  1. Hadley Nation “Super Kabuto and Rare Astrophytum: Limited Edition Collector’s Guide” Little Quin Publishing, 2007

  2. http://www.astrobase.de/Asterias/Artikel/esuperkap.html

  3. Sato, T., “J.C.P Color Hand Book Series No. 2, Volume 1, Hand Book Asterias Family” page 1-65, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press. 03/25/1973

  4. Benadom, D., “Cacti & Succulents for the Amateur” in: Cact. Succ. Journ. (US), volume: 70 No. (6), page 314-315, 1998

  5. Kleszewski, K. P., “Verein der Kakteenfreunde Mainz/Wiesb. u. Umgebung, OG, Astrophytum asterias (ZUCC.) LEM. Am Standort in Mexiko…und in Kultur” in: Kaktusblüte, volume: No., page 25-28, 1998

  6. Kibayashi, A., “Cacti and succulents in Japan, part 1” in: Cact. Succ. Journ. (US), volume: 65 No. (3), page 126-127, 1993

  7. Kobayashi, A., “Cacti and succulents in Japan, part 3” in: Cact. Succ. Journ. (US), volume: 68 No. (5), page 245-249, 1996

  8. Sato, T., “Astrophytum asterias varieties” In : A Quarterly Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, volume: 1 No. (1), page 22-34, 1978

  9. Sato, T., “Astrophytum asterias” in: Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, volume: 9 No. 7, page 10-14, 1995

10 ) Sato, T., “Astrophytum asterias” in: Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 3, page 10-14, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press, 1995

  1. Sato, T., “Contest of Cactus & Succulent plant in Kyoto 1998” in: Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 11, page 2-7, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press, 1998

  2. Sato, T., “Contest of Cactus & Succulent plant in Saitama 1998” in: Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 12, page 2-4, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press, 1998

  3. Sato, T., Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 6, page 2, 7, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press, (unknown) 1999

  4. Sato, T., Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 7, page 9, 10, 15, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press, (unknown) 1999

  5. Sato, T., 1999 “The report of the grand meeting to celbrate the 20th anniversary of ‘KYOSENKAI’” in Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 9, page 2-11, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press,

  6. Anderson, M., “Grafting succulents” in: Cact. Succ. Journ. (US), volume: 69 No. (1), page 17-25, 1997

Gallery

Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto V type f. cristatum
Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto V type f. cristatum© Valentino Vallicelli · source · CC-BY-SA