Description
This rare cultivar is an hybrid involving Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Fukuryu (type A) and Astrophytum myriostigma var. tricostatum. It shows some interesting intermediate features of both the parents.
Origin and Habitat
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 till 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.
Be careful: The epidermis of the three ribbed form cracks easily if plants are overwatered.
Propagation: By seeds, remembering that seedlings dislike strong light and dry conditions and need to be repotted frequently. Eventually, as they become mature, they attain a maximum size of 8-10 cm (20) cm in diameter. However, old plants become senile and have a tendency to succumb to disease and a weak root system. At this stage, as is well known, they die suddenly. So, after they reach 10 cm in diameter grow them slowly, and adopt a new repotting period, using intervals of every 2 - 3 years. Additionally grow them under drier conditions or with stronger sunlight.
But plants are often grafted to accelerate growth as they would generally take at least a five years to reach maturity on their own, but the grafted plants are typical rather tall growing, compared with plants on their own roots that are usually more flat to the ground.
Notes
FUKURYU is a Japanese word that would mean presence of additional ribs (coasts). This plant will develop protuberances (like beginnings of ribs) or small extra ribs (more or less prominent ). Usually this additional ribs will not reach the plant apex, they have not areoles and develops on the lateral side sandwiched between two contiguous true rib.
There is also a different form of ‘Fukuryu’ which has many “warts” between the ribs.
“tricostatum” just means it has 3 ribs. There are some other varieties of the 3 ribs, such as “nudum tricostatum”, “Fukuryiu tricostatum”, “Onzuka tricostatum”, “Onzuka Fukuryiu tricostatum” etc.
