Astrophytum ornatum

Astrophytum ornatum

Family: Cactaceae

Common names: Monk’s Hood, Star Cactus, Ornamented Bishop’s Cap

Native to Mexico. It is a shortly columnar cactus appearing star-shaped from above, with white cross bands of woolly scales. It appears to be a very variable species especially for the density and distribution of white scales.

Sowing instructions: Fill a pot with a moist, gritty, loam-based compost, or cacti compost. Gently firm down and level the surface. Scatter your mixed cactus seeds over the surface, taking care not to sow them too thickly. Gently sprinkle a thin layer of vermiculite or fine grit over the seeds, covering the whole surface of the compost. Leave the pot in a greenhouse or on a warm windowsill, covered with a clear plastic bag to preserve soil moisture. Seedlings will develop within a few weeks. Remove the plastic bag and water when the compost becomes dry, but spray the surface with water regularly, to keep it moist. For more information you can visit the following website – https://trexplants.com/blog/care-diary-how-to-grow-astrophytum-asterias

Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: January 2024