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Astrophytum asterias
Astrophytum asterias
Origin: Tamaulipas (Mexico) and southern Texas
₹300.00 per plant
15 available
A flat, spineless dome divided into neat segments and dotted with white woolly tufts, like a living sand dollar. Produces large yellow flowers with a red centre.
- Spineless, sand-dollar shape
- Large yellow flowers with a red centre
- Slow growing; stays compact for years
Astrophytum asterias is one of the most collected cacti in the world. It grows as a low, spineless dome split into usually eight smooth segments, each dotted with soft white woolly areoles and fine white flecks. Mature plants produce large, glossy yellow flowers with a red throat that can be bigger than the plant itself. It is slow growing and stays small for years, making it ideal for windowsills and collections. In the wild it is rare and protected, so captive-grown plants are the only responsible way to own one.
Light
Bright light with gentle morning sun. Shade from harsh afternoon sun above 38°C, which can scorch the skin.
Watering
Soak, then let the mix dry out completely. Its roots rot easily, so err on the dry side.
Soil & Pot
Gritty mix: about 60–70% mineral (coarse river sand, pumice or perlite, brick chips) and 30–40% coco peat or compost. Terracotta pot with a drainage hole. Top-dress with gravel to keep the base dry.
Monsoon Care
Keep under a roof or in a bright room from June to September. Water only when the mix is bone dry, and keep air moving around the plant.
Feeding
Quarter-strength cactus fertiliser (low nitrogen) once a month, February–May and October–November. None during monsoon and peak summer.
Repotting
Every 2–3 years in spring. Handle gently by the base; the white flecks rub off and do not grow back.
Watch Out For
Soft or yellowing base (overwatering), corky brown patches (sunburn or old age), mealybugs in the woolly areoles.
Live arrivals are shipped Monday–Wednesday with insulated, temperature-aware packaging to ensure safe transit. We offer a live arrival guarantee — contact us via WhatsApp within 2 hours of delivery for any concerns.