Cultivation Method of Astrophytum ornatum from the Cactus Family
A small plant knowledge: introducing the related content of Astrophytum ornatum from the succulent plant family of cacti, the cultivation method of Astrophytum ornatum, the specific content is as follows:
Astrophytum ornatum belongs to the genus Astrophytum in the cactus family, native to Hidalgo and Querétaro states in Mexico. The young plant of Astrophytum ornatum is spherical, later growing into a cylindrical shape, with a plant height of up to 1 meter and a diameter of 30 centimeters. The sphere has 7-8 ridges, dark green, covered with silver-white pubescence or small scales. Areoles are yellow with 5-11 straight spines, ranging from yellow-brown to dark brown, 3 centimeters long. The flowering period is in summer, with flowers at the top, yellow, large, up to 7-9 centimeters in diameter, often several flowers blooming at the same time. The fruit splits into a star shape when mature.
The soil mixture for Astrophytum ornatum is relatively simple, with perlite mixed with peat, vermiculite and coal slag added, with a random ratio, focusing on breathability, and large-particle river sand spread on the soil surface. This variety of Astrophytum ornatum is not very tolerant to direct sunlight, with watering during the growing period only when completely dry, and less water for mature plants. Usually, watering is done only when the soil is very dry, and it is basically watered thoroughly. Summer is the growing season, and the plant also needs some shade and ventilation, with a cool and well-ventilated environment during the high-temperature period of July to September, and the soil is watered when completely dry from September to December.
During the entire cold winter, when the temperature is below 2 degrees Celsius, almost no water is given, at which time the plant enters a dormant period. Less water can prevent frostbite and root rot caused by low temperatures. When the potting soil is dry, Astrophytum ornatum is relatively cold-tolerant. In the greenhouse where the temperature is minus 4 degrees Celsius, Astrophytum ornatum does not show any changes, this temperature is measured inside the greenhouse. Usually, a pot of water is placed in the greenhouse, and if the water freezes, it needs to be heated. As long as it is not outdoors, such temperatures are bearable for Astrophytum ornatum.
Watering during the growing period of Astrophytum ornatum is done only when the soil is completely dry, without watering from above, as poor ventilation can easily cause rot. Watering in spring must be gradual, paying attention to changes in the weather. Astrophytum ornatum is relatively easy to care for. Propagation is mainly through seeding, with some grafting.
The above information provides you with a detailed introduction to the cultivation method of Astrophytum ornatum from the cactus family, for netizens to refer to and learn from.