October 2019 Cactus Update Part 1: Astrophytum & Coryphantha

Cactus Updates

October 2019

4. Astrophytum sp

#11 Astrophytum asterias

This is just a common Astrophytum asterias, around 10 cm wide and 12 cm tall. unlike  A. myriostigma, A. asterias is a hard skinned cactus. Which means it tends to crack more often due to over watering or growing too fast. I find that this species also grow slower than A. myriostigma and A. ornatum.

#12 Astrophytum asterias variegata 

This is the variegate form of A. asterias. They are growing in clusters, variegate Astrophytum tend to form cluster more often in my experience; probably its in their genetic. I love big solitary cactus, they look like a specimen to me but if they produce offsets; its a good things too. More scion for grafting session!

#13 Astrophytum asterias var. Godzilla variegated

This is a whole new level when compared to common A. asterias, you will see lots of bumps and papillae on 'Godzilla' variant. Sometimes also called as var 'Lizard', probably both due to the skin texture that resembles reptile skin. I am waiting for this to grow some offsets, I really want to graft it and increase the flowering chance.

#14 Astrophytum capricorne

 

I have very few of this species, not very keen on buying a lot of them at the moment. Having said so, it have one of the most wonderful flower among Astrophytum. From what I have read, it can cross with A. asterias; can function as both male pollen donor or as female receiver.

Link: Astrophytum capricorne x asterias

#15 Astrophytum myriostigma var nudum

This is one of my many common type Astrophytum myriostigma. I love them due to their good growth rate and blooming frequency. Can be used to cross with any A. myriostigma or A. ornatum too, you don't know what's the hidden traits they have.

#16 Astrophytum ornatum 

This is the biggest species of Astrophytum and I keep them due to their size, growth rate and breeding potential. They are very very spicky and took longer to flower too. But hybrid of A. ornatum and A. myriostigma usually retain the growth vigor and size of A. ornatum, although their characteristic mostly might be in the mix of between the two.

#16 Astrophytum myriostigma var. hakujo 

 

The term 'hakujo' means line that connects the dots between areoles. This one is a frequent bloomer but did not put up flower this month though. It is a medium sized Astrophytum but the flat ball shape made it quite attractive. 

#16 Astrophytum myriostigma var. fukuryu hakujo 

This is one of my A. myriostigma var 'fukuryu' that grown from a small 4 cm seedling. It shows good growth vigor and I love the tall can top heavy conical shape it carries. The picture doesn't do justice but it is slightly variegated, with lime green stripes over dark green. Now, this guy is 14cm tall and 11 cm wide.

#17 Astrophytum myriostigma var. fukuryu hakujo white

  

This is one of my cactus from the early days, was 5 cm back then and now scaling up to 10 cm tall and wide; look like sphere shaped A. myriostigma. This is not a fast grower but it carries 'fukuryu' and 'hakujo' traits. Despite the size, it haven't flower yet while other A. myriostigma usually bloom at 5-7 cm big.

4. Coryphantha elephantindens

#1 Coryphantha elephantindens variegata

 

Coryphantha elephantindens is one of my favourites. Main reason is their large tubercles and overall size, I tend to get attracted to large cactus.

Scientifically, the term 'elephantidens' means 'elephant tooth' which describes the fang-like spines of this species. The spines are very sharp and hard, which may damage and scar nearby cactus; got to be wary of that.

My largest C. elephantindes is measured 13 cm wide and 14 cm tall excluding spines. They are easy to care and fast grower too, but tend to host spidermites and hate too much water.

Variegated form of C. elephantindens is easy to obtain now, plus comes in cheaper price.

#2 Coryphantha elephantindens 

This is the grafted green form of C. elephantindens and root stock is Cereus spegazzinii. It took one month to grow from picture above,

This guy is same size as its variegated counterpart, I have grafted a good sum of its offsets onto Perekiopsis and C spegazzinii. 

That is it for now, I will update on recent graft in a day or two

Cheers.