Publication: Astrophytum handbook v. 2 myriostigma family 1994
Description
Astrophytum myriostigma multicostatum (With multiple ribs) deviates from the well-known standard A. myriostigma for having six or more ribs instead of five depending on clones. Plants with more than 5 ribs has been found in habitat (even if with a very low frequency), but most of the “multicostatum” found in cultivation are not 100% true Astrophytum myriostigma but hybrid that have inherited the adjunctive ribs from one of the ancestor (Presumably Astrophytum ornatum). The flower are also very beautiful.
Stem: Almost spherical, the plants become shortly columnar with age. The stems are smooth and can be over 90 cm tall and 5-10 (-20) cm in diameter.
Spines: None.
Ribs: 6 to 10 (Usually 7 or 8)
Flowers: Arise from the areole at the tip of the stem on mature plant. up to 5 cm wide (or more), pale-yellow, shining-silk, unlike the 5-ribbed plant.
Blooming season: Spring or late summer, They take up to 6 years to bloom.
Origin and Habitat
Cultivated form (hybrid).
Cultivation and Propagation
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 until 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.
Propagation:: Almost exclusively by seed. Plants are sometimes grafted onto column-shaped cacti.
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