Astrophytum capricorne var. niveum | Snowy goat horns
€10,60
🌱 Morphology
Variety with many white microstigmata on its epidermis. It is a solitary cactus with a globose body that can become short-cylindrical with age, reaching up to about 15–20 cm in diameter and greater height in adult specimens. It generally has 7–9 very pronounced ribs with sharp edges and large, separate areoles. The green epidermis is covered with numerous small white trichomes that give it a grayish appearance. The areoles develop several brown or almost black spines, which in this variety are less dense and twisted than in the original botanical species.
🌍 Distribution, habitat and family
Endemic to northeastern Mexico, mainly in Coahuila and Nuevo León, where it is part of the xerophytic vegetation of the Chihuahuan Desert. It grows on rocky terrain and limestone slopes, among xerophytic scrubland, at altitudes of approximately 500 to 1,300 m. It belongs to the Cactaceae family.
❄️ Temperature — USDA Zone 8b
Tolerates minimum temperatures of up to −7 ºC if kept completely dry and properly acclimated. During winter, it is recommended to keep it dormant and the substrate dry.
☀️ Lighting
Requires very intense lighting during active growth and several hours of direct sunlight. A target of approximately 18–25 mol/m²/day PAR DLI helps maintain compact growth and promotes the formation of characteristic spination.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. Its growth is concentrated mainly from spring to early autumn. During the active period, it is recommended to water abundantly and allow the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. In winter, it enters dormancy and should be kept practically dry. Excess moisture, especially at low temperatures, promotes root problems.
🌸 Flowering
Produces large flowers, approximately 6–7 cm in diameter, bright yellow with a reddish inner throat. They develop at the apex and may appear repeatedly during the warm season. In Madrid, flowering mainly begins between May and July. It can rebloom several times per season.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with a high content of assimilable calcium and low nitrogen levels is recommended, such as Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot with substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
Xerophyte in a 9x9 cm gourmet black pot
- Hassle-free returns
- Free Shipping on orders over €79.99
Expert advice with every purchase
Our team provides you with personalized advice on caring for your plants and growing media.
-
Secure and protected payment guaranteed.