Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum f. variegated

Synonyms:

Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum f. variegatum

Habitat:

Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum f. variegatum is a japanese nursery produced cultivar.

Description:

Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum f. variegata distinguishes from other myriostigma for its smooth epidermis: it lacks completely or mostly the characteristic white flecks of myriostigma. As a results, its stem, which can be spherical or cilindric, shows its colours: bright green, 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 nudum 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): this lack give to the plant its yellow or orange colour.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

Tips:
Read our advice

Recommended Posts

Start typing and press Enter to search