- How do you water Astrophytum asterias correctly?
- What should be considered when fertilizing?
- When is it time to repot?
- Are there diseases and pests?
- When does the Astrophytum asterias rest?
- How do you care for Astrophytum asterias in winter?
Astrophytum asterias is a desert cactus, also known as the sea urchin cactus. As with all desert cacti, indoor care is not easy. The Astrophytum usually lacks sufficient direct sunlight. How do you properly care for Astrophytum asterias?
The sea urchin cactus is a challenge for home gardeners
How do you water Astrophytum asterias correctly?
Water moderately with lime-free water during the growth phase. Allow the substrate to dry out between waterings. In any case, avoid waterlogging!
Astrophytum asterias copes well with low humidity. Nevertheless, the cactus likes it if you occasionally spray it with a little water. But then you have to reduce the watering quantities.
What should be considered when fertilizing?
Fertilizing is not absolutely necessary. If you do not want to do without fertilizer completely, it is sufficient if you administer liquid fertilizer at monthly intervals during the growth phase.
When is it time to repot?
You only have to repot Astrophytum asterias when the pot is completely rooted. Repot in early spring. Shake off the old substrate well before placing the cactus in a larger container with fresh soil.
After repotting, you must not fertilize Astrophytum for several months.
Are there diseases and pests?
Too much moisture causes root rot. The Astrophytum suffers relatively often from root lice. So keep checking back.
The following are also pests:
- Mealybug
- mealybugs
- thrips
When does the Astrophytum asterias rest?
The sea urchin cactus keeps its rest period in winter. During this time it is set up cooler but bright. While normal room temperatures are sufficient in summer, they should be reduced to seven to ten degrees in winter. As long as it is warm enough outside, you can cultivate the cactus outdoors.
How do you care for Astrophytum asterias in winter?
During the winter, water the Astrophytum asterias very sparingly. The earth is allowed to dry out. The sea urchin cactus is not fertilized in winter.
tips
The substrate for Astrophytum asterias should not be too nutritious. A mixture of two parts compost-based soil and one part sharp sand or perlite is recommended. (37.51€) Good permeability is important to avoid waterlogging.