Description
The superb feature of some of this hybrids is due to the intersection between the traits of the ancestors and make them very desirable. Many of the best have inherited by “Astrophytum ornatum v glabrescens” the strong columnar growth with dark green sharp ribs, usually eight, and by “Astrophytum capricorne f. nudum” the long somewhat flexible spines (shorter and rigid in A. ornatum). This hybrid are strong growing. The flower are also very beautiful.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar) Plants obtained by controlled pollination of ♀Astrophytum capricorne f. nudum x ♂Astrophytum ornatum v glabrescens.
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). The Astrophytum grows much faster with a low nitrogen content fertilizer in spring and summer. Water sparingly from March till October, the thin, fibrous roots suffer if there is humidity, therefore the plant should be watered only when the surrounding terrain is dry. Keep dry as soon as the temperature starts dropping in October and keep it perfectly dry in winter at temperatures from 5 to 15 degrees centigrade. (but it is Hardy to -7°C for short periods) Although it is one of the easier Astrophytum to grow, they tend to rot at that time of the year, if kept wet. In the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!!
Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun, its colour tends to richer and darker when grown in light shade.
Propagation: Almost exclusively by seed. Plants are sometimes grafted onto column-shaped cacti. Cutting scions from a flourishing plant is almost a crime because the scions do not root easily.
