Synonyms:

Astrophytum coahuilense cv. Hakuran Kikko is actually a synonym of Astrophytum coahuilense cv. Hakuran. Here below are other synonyms:

Astrophytum coahuilense f. monstruosa
Astrophytum coahuilense cv. Hakuran

Habitat:

Astrophytum coahuilense cv. Hakuran is a nursery-produced cultivar, thus it doesn’t exist in nature. It has been created in 1981 by Mr. Narita from Aichi Prefecture in Japan. A. coahuilense, instead, is native to Mexico, where it’s present in the state of Coauhila (that’s the reason of its name) and Durante, at an altitude of 1100-1600 meters above the sea level.

Description:

Astrophytum coahuilense cv. Hakuran Kikko is a tiny succulent plant, very appreciated by succulent collectors for its unusual appearance: it consists in fact in a single, pentagonal to almost spherical, equipped with conical, pointed tubercles, that look like teeth. The surface of the stem is bright to dark green, and it’s covered in a white pruine, which has the function to protect the plant from the intense sunlight and the water loss through evapotranspiration. This white-silvery pruine can be more or less evident: in some cases, it completely covers the stem, hiding its green colour. The size of the stem is 10 to 15 centimeters in height and 5 to 10 in diameter. It has no actual spines, though its tubercles are pointed. In some specimens, tubercles are lined in usually 5, vertical ribs (but also sometimes 3 or 4).
Flowers, instead, are yellow, with a striking red inner part and they appear from late Spring to Summer. Their petals are numerous: yellow, lanceolate and densely crowded.
“Kikko” variants exist in every Astrophytum species, and they are usually distinguishable for the size of the teeth, that are longer and stiffer.

Cultivation:

Astrophytum coahuilense cv. Hakuran Kikko is not the easiest plant to cultivate. Here below are our tips:

Put your Astrophytum coahuilense cv. Hakuran Kikko in a bright spot, exposed to indirect light. Light shade to full sun will do good, but avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours of Summer days.
In theory, this cultivar can survive temperatures down to -5ºC. However, we strongly suggest to keep it at temperatures between 5 to 15ºC in Winter, to avoid frost damages. Keep it completely dry during the cold months.
From March to October, water regularly, waiting for the soil to dry up completely before each irrigation. In Winter, suspend any irrigation.
Choose a well-draining substrate, little organic matter (peat or humus).
Repotting is almost never necessary, as it is a dwarf plant with a very slow-growing rate. We suggest to repot every year to provide fresh soil.
Fertilize once a year with some succulent-specific product, to be diluted with water at half the doses recommended on the label.

Propagation:

The propagation is usually carried out by grafting. It is generally grafted onto columnar cacti.

Curiosity:

The name comes from the greek “Aster”, that means star, and it is given by the presence of several sections that form the pointy ends (from four to eight points) of these plants and that is particularly striking when seen from above.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

Tips:
Read our advice