Astrophytum ornatum
I do not know how old this one is, but it has to be 10-12 years old to bloom. Astrophytum myriostigma, capricorne and asterias need about 4 years to bloom for the first time, so ornatum is the slowest of all Astrophytum genus from that point of view.
And you see what happened! After waiting so long time! The spines are to long! The flower cannot open fully!
BUT I love its spines.
I keep it on full day of direct sunlight, that is the reason of developing that long spines.
Small white spots are actually spines too, but too small for our eyes to see them. We see just white spots. They are more dense at the top of the plant which means it is in the last years receiving more sunlight than before.
I cannot see its flower, but can enjoy the beauty of whole plant. Maybe next flower will have better luck.
In general Astrophytums love mineral, well drained soil and warmth. I start to water mine in May, later then the rest of cacti. When they mature I let them be in rain, (except A.asterias) until September. Then I move them to some sunny and rain-protected place. They have to be completely dry when colder weather is coming. Otherwise, they are not complicated plants to grow and are among collectors one of favorites.
Thank you for your attention!
Some of my other cacti & other succulents stories:
Neoporteria odieri
The Three Graces
OffshootBirth
How do I get so many seeds?! / Astrophytum myriostigma
Genus Rebutia
If you are interested in reading about desert plants from my own growing experience fell free to follow and enjoy!
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