Description
This odd cultivar is easily distinguishable for its ± wide and long pointed tubercles along the bumped ribs edges. Seems to be a pretty variable plant with several clones.
Stem:: Solitary or freely offsetting from the areoles: 7-12 cm tall , 8-15 cm in diameter. Olive-green to glaucous-green .
Areoles:: Up to 7 mm large. I in older specimens the areole produces long woolly tuft.
Spines: Absent.
Flowers:: Pale to dark pink
Origin and Habitat
Japan, Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)
Cultivation and Propagation
Because of the tap root they are very rot prone, so use highly gritty compost with much drainage. Requires half shade to part sun. Waterings should be rather infrequent to keep the plant compact and not to become excessively elongated and unnatural in appearance, watering it properly is often difficult because this plant tends to crack open or rot if over-watered. The fact that the plant retracts into the soil and assume a grey-green colouring between watering, is perfectly natural and doesn’t cause any damage.
Overwatering: Keep completely dry and cool in winter (An unheated greenhouse would be perfect) or when night temperatures remain below 10° C, it can survive low temperatures (appr. -7°C) for a short period. Assure a good ventilation.
Propagation:ion: From seeds or (usually) by grafting on a stronger stock.
Notes
This cultivar has been named “KIKKO” for its close resemblance to the famous Japanese Astrophytum myriostigma cv. KIKKO.
Gallery
