Synonyms:

Astrophytum myriostigma f. variegatum
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Variegata

Habitat:

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. variegata is a nursery produced cultivar.

Description:

This Astrophytum grow a spherical to cilindric stem with a distinctive chalk-white or silvery-grey look: this is owed to the several, minute, white hairy scales that cover it. The stem colour goes from bright green to blue-green, gray-green or mauve-green; in the variegated form, it presents stripes and patches in different shades of yellow and orange. This form grows smaller (up to 60 cm tall) than the other ones. The stem trasversal section is star-shaped; ribs are regular and prominent, usually 5, but can be from 3 to 8. After 6 years of life, A. myriostigma cv. variegata can bloom in warm season, forming pale-yellow, silk-shining flowers.

Cultivation:

The variegated form of Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum is less hardy to extreme temperatures. It does well from in half shade or under-filtered sunlight. Water sparingly from March till October, letting the soil getting dry before watering again; you can also add a little fertilizer. To avoid root rot and frost damages, keep it dry from the beginning of autumn to the end of winter. It needs a mineral, well-draining soil, with little humus.

Propagation:

Propagation is usually, easily done by seeds; anyway, this Astrophytum is sometimes grafted on other cacti.

Curiosity:

The variegation in the epidermis of this Astrophytum is due to a lack of clorophyll, which shows other pygments (as carotenoids or betalains) that give to the plant its yellow or orange colour.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

Tips:
Read our advice