The body of a star cactus is covered with areoles that contain sharp black or golden spines.
Star cactus can be grown outside only in climates with temperate, dry winters.
When properly taken care of, this species of cactus will develop marvelous flowers once it matures.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Soil
Like most cacti, this species requires well-drained, sandy, porous soil.
Star cactus prefers acidic soil with a pH between 5 and 6.5.
Alkaline soil conditions may cause the plant to perish.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
During periods of rain and during the winter, refrain from watering your outdoor cactus altogether.
Surprisingly, this plant can withstand short bursts of temperatures as low as 20 degrees.
Most of the varieties flower, however, it may take years before blooming commences.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Soaking the seeds overnight before theyre planted helps the process.
To grow star cactus from seed, do these things.
Water the new plant and allow it to drain completely.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Then, wait a while before fertilizing, as the disturbance of repotting can be hard on a cactus.
Overwintering
Outdoor cacti require little care in the winter.
Water indoor specimens only once a month and refrain from fertilizing altogether.
brytta / Getty Images
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Watch out for common cactus pests, likeaphidsandscale.
Then, simply wipe away bugs with a cloth.
Bacteria and fungi can also move into a neglected cactus when broken leaves and lesions are open to infection.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
If a fungus or bacteria moves in, you may see soft spots on your plant.
However, if the infection is severe, treatment may not work.
Even then, only expect one to two blooms a season.
Astrophytum myriostigma cactusChViroj / Getty Images
Mature cacti, however, bloom profusely from July through September, when given the right growing conditions.
A diluted balanced fertilizer can also help promote blooms when given during the summer.
Once rot sets in, your plant may brown at the base and become mushy.
Astrophytum capricorne cactusThe Spruce / Kara Riley
In Texas, this species is restricted to a 200-acre site where only 2,000 individuals exist in the wild.
The two often are confused with each other because both plants are succulents in the same family.
Sometimeshaworthiais accidently called a star cactus, which adds to the confusion.
Astrophytum ornatum cactusH. Zell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Haworthia has fleshy spikes that look like those of thealoe vera plant.
Astrophytum caput-medusae cactusJose Maria Escolano / flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Astrophytum coahuilense cactussergio niebla / flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
