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.

September 2019 Cactus Update Part 4

Cactus Updates

September 2019

4. Astrophytum sp

#9 Astrophytum coahuilense

Bought this guy from eBay early last year, standing 25 cm tall and 20 cm wide; it is my one and only A. coahuilense in my collection. I wonder if they are rare in collection as very few of them spotted on eBay, but they are very cheap though. It is very beautiful and the white specks does not get detached from touching or watering.

Now they flower non stop but does not pollinate well with other Astrophytum. Either I am so bad at assisting the pollination or it not compatible, who knows.

I love the extra rib growth, it looks like a heart shape on certain angle. 

 Size comparison between my myriostigma 'kikko' (Left) and 'fukuryu' (Right).

#10 Astrophytum ornatum var glabrescens*

Astrophytum ornatum is the lergest Astrophytum species and this guy is more 40 cm tall and 30 cm wide. It is so heavy, probably around 3 kg. This is a variegated variant of Astrophytum ornatum var. glabrescens, which means they are also lack in white specks.

 One of the biggest Astrophytum I have ever own. The sheer size is overwhelming that it made my Astrophytum coahuilense seems like a dwarf next to it.

Size comparison between thick Trichocereus scopulicola and Astrophytum coahuilense.

The thorns are soft and curly, unlike common A. ornatum that has sharp straight and hard thorns.

Thanks for reading guys,

May the cactus be with you.

Cheers.

September 2019 Cactus Updates Part 3

Cactus Updates

September 2019

4. Astrophytum sp

#5 Astrophytum myriostigma var. kikko *

This is one of my biggest Astrophytum myriostigma var. 'kikko', 18 cm wide and 16 cm tall. Bought this guy from eBay last year, country of origin is Czech. I love how the overall shape is flat instead of elongated, and it comes in white. The ribs are splitting and may reach 8 ribs later on.

#6 Astrophytum myriostigma var. kikko

Unlike the #6 above, this guy is showing a great characteristic of 'kikko' due to its closely grown cleft between areoles and the depth of the cleft is deep. Other good traits are the round ball like shape and uniform rib number. 

#7 Astrophytum myriostigma var. kikko

This is one of my earliest Astrophytum myriostigma in collection, it has a slight 'kikko' trait and around 15 cm wide x 14 cm tall. among my collections, this guy has high tendency to produce crested flower. Comes in dark green color, it has been in my cross of my seedlings due to its frequent bloomer character.

#8 Astrophytum myriostigma var. fukuryu

I am suspecting that this guy have very very little Astrophytum ornatum line in it, due to its very small but noticeable thorns. Another 'fukuryu' type B but very rare inter ribs growth pattern is shows so far. The pointy bumps along the inter ribs is in great amount and resembles Godzilla rear side to me. It is grafted to Harrisia jusbertii and a very tall cactus, around 30 cm tall and 16 cm wide.

Will be continues in Part 4.

Adieu guys,

Cheers