- What should be considered when watering Astrophytum?
- How is Astrophytum fertilized?
- When does an Astrophytum have to be repotted?
- What diseases and pests should you watch out for?
- How do you care for Astrophytum in winter?
Under Astrophytum, the botanist describes a whole series of desert cacti, including Astrophytum asterias. Some of these cacti can be cultivated indoors if the requirements for location and care are met. How to properly care for Astrophytum.
The Astrophytum is very demanding
What should be considered when watering Astrophytum?
As a desert plant, the Astrophytum does not need much water. Water the cactus moderately during the growing season from spring to early fall. Always allow the substrate to dry out before watering again.
Be sure to avoid waterlogging. You must always pour off excess water immediately.
Water with rainwater if possible. Cacti do not tolerate hard water.
How is Astrophytum fertilized?
Astrophytum is a frugal type of cactus that gets along with little nutrients. Never fertilize freshly repotted plants. If the cactus has been in the substrate for a long time, add some liquid fertilizer at monthly intervals from April to the beginning of September.
When does an Astrophytum have to be repotted?
The best time for repotting is early spring. Check every year that the roots still have enough space in the pot. If the planter is still sufficient, shake off the old substrate slightly and fill the pot with fresh soil before planting the cactus again.
If a larger pot is needed, make sure the drainage hole is large enough. Fill it with fresh substrate made up of 1/3 sharp sand or perlite ($37.51) and 2/3 potting soil.
What diseases and pests should you watch out for?
Root rot occurs when you keep the Astrophytum too wet. Check regularly for root lice on the cactus.
Spider mites, mealybugs and thrips also occur as pests.
How do you care for Astrophytum in winter?
- Set up cool at seven to ten degrees
- Choose a spot that is as bright as possible
- water very sparingly
- do not fertilize
After the winter break, you must gradually get the Astrophytum used to direct sunlight again. Increase the pouring amounts slowly at first.
tips
During the growth phase, the Astrophytum likes normal room temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees. You are welcome to put it outside in summer if you can provide a sufficiently sunny spot.