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Astrophytum asterias

Also Known As

Sea Urchin Cactus

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 1"-3"
W: 2"-6"

planting zones

9a-12

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Astrophytum asterias plant details

Astrophytum asterias is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue, green and white foliage. In spring red and yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Astrophytum asterias

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue, green and white
Mature size: 2 IN - 6 IN - wide, 1 IN - 3 IN - tall
Flowers: red and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, houseplant, rock garden, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Astrophytum asterias

USDA Zones: 9a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Astrophytum asterias is a rare spineless cactus known as sand dollar, sea urchin, or star cactus that forms cute balls divided into eight sections all adorned with white tufts (woolly areoles) and dots (trichomes) in a variety of patterns. The yellow flowers have red bases and appear in summer.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Urchin-like shape, slow-growing spine-free cactus. Light yellowish white tufts of fuzzy fuzz covers the areole that lines the center of the rib. Flowers appear from the center, petal color can range from plant to plant from white to orange. Usually seed-grown so each plant can look different from each other due to genetic makeup- so scale/speckle can have different density and pattern.

By: The Other Side Nursery

Astrophytum asterias, also called Sand Dollar Cactus, is a succulent species featuring adorable, rounded bodies divided into 8 sections. The grey green surfaces are adorned with varying styles of spotting, some more significant than others. Grow on a sunny windowsill in a well-drained medium, and allow soil to dry out between watering. Reduce water in winter. SO CUTE!

By: Little Prince of Oregon

Keep dry in winter. Full Sun to Partial Shade. 2 inch wide Yellow Flowers with a Red center. Outdoor/Indoor.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

These are great additions to our listing with plants selected for their super fleckings and markings. Outstanding plants. (These are small, young seedlings on their own roots. Therefore the price is low for the quality of the plants.) Photos soon.

By: Kara Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Astrophytum asterias

Photo of Astrophytum asterias foliage by The Other Side Nursery

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By: The Other Side Nursery

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Photo of Astrophytum asterias flower by Konstantin A. Kraevsky

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By: Konstantin A. Kraevsky

Public Domain

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Gardening facts about Astrophytum asterias plant

How to Grow Astrophytum asterias

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- occasional - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in winter
Soil Needs
- lean
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant

Features

Foliage Color
- white
- green
- blue
Flower Color
- red
- yellow
Flower Season
- spring
Foliage Season
- evergreen
Texture
- glaucous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Astrophytum for your garden

Astrophytum capricorne

aka Astrophytum capricorne aurea, Astrophytum capricorne var. aureum, Astrophytum niveum, Echinocactus capricornis, Goat's Horn Cactus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-12

Size

Height: 6"-36"

Width: 4"-6"

sun - mostly shade
occasional - drought tolerant
dry in winter

Photo of Astrophytum capricorne foliage, form by Stan Shebs

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Astrophytum ornatum

aka Astrophytum ornatum var. glabrescens, Echinocactus haageanus, Echinocactus holopterus, Echinocactus mirbelii, Echinocactus ornatus, Echinocactus tortus, Echinofossulocactus mirbelii, Echinopsis haageana, Monk's Hood, Star Cactus