Astrophytum ornatum

 Astrophytum ornatum is a globose-looking cactus that eventually adopts a columnar arrangement. It usually has eight very pronounced ribs that can be straight or slightly sinuous. The body is partially covered with small whitish or silver spots. This species is the largest in the genus Astrophytum. The oldest wild specimens can reach up to 1 m in height and 30 cm in diameter, although in culture it hardly exceeds 30 cm. The areolas are quite separate and have 5 to 11 straight and sharp spines, yellow or brown and of variable length, the longest being up to 3 cm. Flowers measure approximately 8 cm in diameter and are yellow.

  1. Scientific Name: Astrophytum ornatum (DC.) Britton & Rose
  2. Common Names: Star cactus , also known as Monk's Hood.
  3. Synonyms: Echinocactus ornatus (basionym). 
  4. Family: Cactaceae
  5. Subfamily: Cactoideae
  6. Tribe: Cacteae
  7. Genus: ASTROPHYTUM
  8. Species: A. ornatum
source pic: etsy.com
How to Grow and Care
According to scientists who have developed so many mutations of this Astrophytum genera cultivation of individual members of each of the species of Astrophytum asterias and Astrophytum myriostigma is not very difficult. If all the factors that govern the growth of these plants are understood and effective cultivation is carried out, growth is assured.

 Some of the factors which the Astrophytum require for effective growth are good soil, light and water with the help of little fertilizer. This may sound simple but each of these factors are also defined that actually makes astrophytum cultivation a scientific research. Cultivation itself can be done in two ways either in open sunlight or in a greenhouse atmosphere. 
In fact the seeds of Astrophytum are affected by strong light and dry conditions. So light and the amount of moisture in the atmosphere have to be optimum...- Learn more at  How to Grow and Care for Astrophytum  



Origin:
Astrophytum Ornatum Endemic to the Central Plateau of Mexico.
Links: Back to genus  Astrophytum
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