Astrophytum ornatum

Star Cactus

Nearly every cactus garden has room for these beautiful, small plants that seldom grow more than 8 inches wide and are less than a foot tall. Varieties are shaped like a bishop's headpiece or a star, or resemble a sea urchin or sand dollar. All produce large yellow or orange blooms in spring or early summer. Plants are sometimes grafted onto column-shaped cacti. Grow in frost-free areas or as a houseplant. Soil must contain lime, whether it is crushed limestone, broken oyster shells or tuffa rock. Propogated almost exclusively by seed.

More ornamental than the species, with eight sharp ribs fringed with deadly, four-pronged spines. Flowers up to 3 inches across may not appear until plant is older.

Attributes - Astrophytum ornatum

Plant Type: Succulent

Bloom Season: Early Summer through Late Summer

Flower Color: Orange, Yellow

Foliage: Evergreen

Height: 6 in. to 1 ft. 3 in.

Width: 10 in.

Sunlight: Full Sun

Climate: Zone 10

Notes: Thrives in Alkaline Soil, Dry Climates, Hot Climates. Container Plants, Drought Tolerant, Showy Flowers. Susceptible to Root Rot.

Related Plants

Astrophytum myriostigma columnare

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