Astrophytum ornatum - Star Cactus

Astrophytum ornatum – Star Cactus

You will receive the exact LARGE specimen shown here.
Measures 8" tall (above the soil line) x 5.5" wide.
Beautiful flecking!
Showcased here in one-of-a-kind handmade pottery (sold separately).
Will be shipped bare root. 

Astrophytum ornatum, or Star Cactus/Bishop's Cap, is a popular, slow-growing columnar cactus from Mexico known for its star shape (when viewed from above) with deep ribs, white woolly scales, and golden spines, requiring bright sun, well-draining gritty soil, and infrequent watering, especially avoiding frost, to produce lovely yellow flowers. It's the largest Astrophytum species, needing a gritty mix (sand, perlite) and a winter dormancy with little to no water to thrive. 

DESCRIPTION and CHARACTERISTICS:

• Shape: Starts globose, becomes columnar with age.
• Features: Deep, spiraling ribs, covered in white scales, with yellow flowers.
• Spines: Long, golden, and numerous.
• Size: Can grow quite large in habitat but stays smaller in pots, noted as the largest Astrophytum. 

CULTIVATION and CARE:

• Light: Needs very bright, direct sunlight.
• Soil: Porous, fast-draining cactus mix with high mineral content (pumice, perlite, sand).
• Watering: Water deeply in summer, allowing soil to dry completely; reduce to almost none in winter dormancy.
• Temperature: Protect from frost; it can handle warmth but needs cool, dry winters.
• Feeding: Minimal, once during the growing season.

GROWING TIPS:

• Transitioning: Gradually acclimate to bright outdoor sun in spring to prevent sunburn.
• Dormancy: A cool, dark, dry winter rest is crucial for its life cycle.
• Flowering: Blooms are pale yellow to purple and fragrant, appearing from the center.