Content
- Tips for caring for Astrophytum asterias (sea urchin cactus)
- How do you properly pour Astrophytum asterias?
- What should be considered when fertilizing?
- When is it time to repot?
- Are there diseases and pests?
- When does Astrophytum asterias take a break?
- How do you care for Astrophytum asterias in winter?
- Tips
The sea urchin cactus is a challenge for home gardeners
Tips for caring for Astrophytum asterias (sea urchin cactus)
Astrophytum asterias is a desert cactus also known as sea urchin cactus. As with all desert cacti, taking care of the room is not easy. Most Astrophytum lacks sufficient direct sunlight. How do you properly care for Astrophytum asterias?
How do you properly pour Astrophytum asterias?
During the growth phase, pour moderately with lime-free water. Allow the substrate to dry out between pourings. Avoid waterlogging in any case!
Astrophytum asterias copes well with low humidity. Still, the cactus likes it if you occasionally spray it with some water. But then you have to reduce the casting quantities.
What should be considered when fertilizing?
Fertilization is not essential. If you do not want to give up fertilizer completely, it is enough if you administer liquid fertilizers at monthly intervals during the growth phase.
When is it time to repot?
You do not have to repot Astrophytum asterias until the pot is completely rooted. Repotting is done in early spring. Shake the old substrate well before placing the cactus in a larger container of fresh soil.
After repotting, do not fertilize Astrophytum for several months.
Are there diseases and pests?
Too much moisture causes root rot. The Astrophytum suffers relatively frequently from root lice. Therefore, look again and again.
As pests also occur:
When does Astrophytum asterias take a break?
The sea urchin cactus keeps its rest in winter. During this time it is cooler but bright. While normal room temperatures are sufficient in summer, they should be lowered to seven to ten degrees in winter. As long as it is warm enough outside, you may cultivate the cactus outdoors.
How do you care for Astrophytum asterias in winter?
During the winter, pour 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. Recommended is a mixture of two parts soil on compost basis and a part of sharp sand or perlite. It is important to have a good permeability to avoid waterlogging.