November 2019 Cactus Updates: Astrophytum Myriostigma Fukuryu

Why Do I Love To Collect Astrophytum myriostigma Fukuryu?

Today I would like to share my new A.  myriostigma Fukuryu. Bought through eBay, it was originated from China and a degrafted Astrophytum. 

At the moment, China made cactus is receiving a not very warm welcome from some grower in my country. Generally, there is a mixed views between locally grown vs China vs Thailand. That also includes own root vs grafted. 

As an Agronomist, I never bother much by this because I choose what to obtain based on these reasons. 

1. Price 

Buying things online can be really expensive, I always watch for the currency of any listed cactus when surfing on eBay. That includes the shipment cost too, European, America and Australia cost more than China and Thailand; I will buy something really worthy if it came from these region. 

2. Rarity

China and Thailand are really good with mass producing grafted rare cactus, I always look from them when looking for cheap bargain. Rare cactus usually come with one of both of these characters namely price and difficulty to grow. Grafted cactus are more resilient and cheaper. 

3. Health

I always choose the healthiest cactus. Obviously, you can see wheather the cactus have been dried or removed from the pot for a long time or not. Sometimes, its about experience too, when you know your seller well, its kind of good product will get returning buyer. 

4. Size

I see size as how much I paid will worth it. Generally, bigger and cheaper is best of all combination. If it involves bidding and lots of cactus at same time, I will go for the bigger one. 

5. Period of shipment

The longer the cactus in shipment, the lesser their health is. It is related to country source and quality of product. Living in Asia, I will get better product from closeby countries, but any shipment lesser than a month is good to me. Dutch and Poland offers around 2 weeks shipment to me, and they are also cheap.

6. Purpose

I have 3 main purpose which are to graft as scion, to be replicate and used as rootstocks and to breed. Good trait and healthy plant will be grown and used for crossing. Small and cheaper cactus usually for grafting. 

Now, getting back to our main topic, I have a small number of cactus collection but putting a belief that they will grow in number later on due to my bad spending on cactus, flower crossing and grafting. 

I have collected 2 similar Fukuryu before this, there are other fukuryus as well but only two are similarly looking like this. 

Here is the link to my previous post about my Astrophytum collection.

#1

#2

They are distinctively come in attractive bright color and prominent inter ribs growth that resembles carambola or star fruit. 

I bought them all in order to make future cross and select their inter ribs growth traits and hopefully get something similar to A.  myriostigma Karina Keel Crested Fukuryu. 

Here is the picture of A. myriostigma Karina Keel Crested Fukuryu from Llifle website for reference. 

Source <Astrophytum Karina Keel Crested Fukuryu Llifle>

In conclusion, I really fond of Astrophytum species and among their variant, fukuryu is the one I love the most. 

Thanks for reading, happy growing guys! 

Adieu. 

November 2019 Cactus Updates: Astrophytum Myriostigma Onzuka.

Astrophytum myriostigma Onzuka, what is so unique about it? 

G'day guys! 

I just got myself two new Onzukas, shipped from Deutch. Ive been looking forward to get them to enrich my current Astrophytum gene pool. 

Onzuka is a variant of Astrophytum myriostigma which is most sought after and considered unique to most grower out there. Why was it unique? My answer would be their pattern and shape; tend to grow into a perfectly ball-shaped cactus plus you may get various pattern including the exclusive V-pattern. 

Below are the pictures of my newly aquired Onzukas for our viewing. 

Onzuka #1

Onzuka #2

After repotting pictures. 

Here is a brief info on how to care for A.  myriostigma Onzuka

<source: Llifle myriostigma onzuka>

Description: Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Onzuka is probably the most beautiful, sought after and attractive of all the myriostigma cultivars. The “quadricostatum” form deviates from the well-known typical form for having four ribs instead of five.

Stem: Quadrangular to almost spherical, the plants become shortly columnar with age. The stems are smooth and can be over 90 cm tall and 5-10 (-20) cm in diameter. The cultivar 'ONZUKA' (In Japanese speaking "Onzuka Ranpo-gyoku") has snowy-white, heavily speckled epidermis with fabulous markings much like the ‘Super Kabuto’ asterias. The white marking varies considerably from plant to plant and there exist an enormous number of different designs, and also plants change their appearance in age and they are full of surprises as they grows.

Spines: None.

Ribs: 4 - 6

Flowers: Arise from the areole at the tip of the stem on mature plant. up to 5 cm wide (or more), pale-yellow, shining-silk, unlike the 5-ribbed plant.

Blooming season: Spring or late summer, They take up to 6 years to bloom.

Cultivation and Propagation: Although regarded as a choice and difficult plant in cultivation it is relatively easy to grow. It is sometime seen as a grafted plant but grows very well on its own roots too. Use mineral well permeable substratum with little organic matter (peat, humus). Water sparingly from March till October and keep perfectly dry in winter at temperatures from 5 to 15 degrees centigrade. (but it is Hardy to -7°C for short periods) In the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!! Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun.

Be careful: The epidermis of ONZUKA is harder than in the normal myriostigmas and cracks easily if plants are overwatered.

Propagation: By seeds, remembering that seedlings dislike strong light and dry conditions and need to be repotted frequently. Eventually, as they become mature, they attain a maximum size of 8-10 cm (20) cm in diameter. However, old plants become senile and have a tendency to succumb to disease and a weak root system. At this stage, as is well known, they die suddenly. So, after they reach 10 cm in diameter grow them slowly, and adopt a new repotting period, using intervals of every 2 - 3 years. Additionally grow them under drier conditions or with stronger sunlight.

But plants are often grafted to accelerate growth as they would generally take at least a five years to reach maturity on their own, but the grafted plants are typical rather tall growing, compared with plants on their own roots that are usually more flat to the ground.

In conclusion, I will use this two for breeding and in the future; aiming to hybridize Astrophytum ornatum with A. Myriostigma Onzuka.

Hopefully I could get A. ornatum later in the future. 

October 2019 Cactus Update: New Cactus Addition My Collection Part 1

New Family Members

My shipment just arrived few days ago, it took 2 weeks from the date of purchase to parcel delivered.

eBay is a nice place to look for cactus, big number of cactus in my collection bought from eBay. Depending on seller and cactus type, you can get em cheaper than locally sold.

This week, I received my long awaited Lophophora, Ariocarpus, Coryphantha and Astrophytum. Astrophytum are obviously gonna be grafted onto bigger root stock. 

Below is the video link on my new Cactus, I'm trying new method of writing blog which includes video attachment and linking my pictures to Pinterest!

I will mix pictures and video later on, hope this is enjoyable to watch.

Cheers

October 2019 Graft Update: How To Graft On Cereus Root Stock Part 1

Best Way To Graft Astrophytum On Cereus Root Stock

This applies to medium to large sized scion graft. Cereus hildmannianus serve as a great permanent root stock, It wasn't the fastest but might last longest compared to others.

Step 1

To begin with, get a decent root stock; make sure they are actively growing and plump. Never used dehydrated root stock which look flaccid and soft to the touch. Cereus also can be grafted while they are on mother plant and you can root them later once attached.

Cut the top part of your root stock, it can be the top 2-4 inch up to the mid, as long as the core i.e. middle ring is still soft. Best bet is to cut top 1 inch first and try to match it with scion middle ring, if your scion's ring bigger then cut another inch until they match.

Cereus is a nice root stocks due to their thickness and ring size. The thickness give us a good guarantee of grafting success as there is more contact between scion and root stock.

Step 2

Cut your scion and make sure it is a level cut, skewed or concave cut on the scion may fail the graft, mostly due to shrinkage. I use Astrophytum myriostigma variegated for this graft, around 7 cm big. Cereus, Harrisia and Myrtillocactus are not that suitable for seedling grafting, better choose proper sized scion for these root stock.

For both scion and root stock cut, make sure you do it with sterile and very sharp knife. For hard skinned cactus such as Astrophytum, I will bevel the scion too, this is due to their tendency to shrink more and push themselves upward; and may fail to remain attached.

 Make sure the ring is similar in size to get better connection between scion and root stock

Beveling the cut edge is optional, but I always do so to prevent two complications later on. One is the risk of cut surface to dry and shrink, if it shrink then the scion will very likely fail to stick or imperfectly attach to the middle ring. Other complication is offsetting of the root stock, it it pups close to scion, it may push it up and out which usually occur anytime during both cactus lifespan.

Step 3

Match their cambium ring, as long as they touch each other; the graft will work well. Makesure the stay moist, never leave them too long or they will  dry up and shrink or sunken.

Step 4

Providing pressure and preventing the scion from moving are two main concern in grafting. Without pressure holding the scion, it will detach or partially detach; which may lead to scion death or may require re-grafting.

I use plastic food wrap and rubber to hold them together, some times just rubber. Cereus root stock has thick long thorns that can be use to hold the plastic, but additional rubber use can reduce the risk of losing pressure.

Pull the plastic and make sure it is fittingly tight, not loose but also no too tight. you can test the scion after attaching plastic cover, if it shift to any direction; adjust the holding pressure.

Apply rubber to hold your plastic cover in place, I use one rubber but fold it once so it stretch tighter.

Do your final adjustment if needed and left them under shade for a while. the advantage of using plastic wrap is they retain moisture from cut so they don't shrink quickly. Sometimes I forgot about my grafts, the scion just pop out of the plastic and continue growing; just make sure it is soft plastic wrap though.

Hope this explanation helps.

Thanks for reading guys.

cheers.

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.