Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants are well known for their amazing beauty. These are in fact a quite popular cacti species among the cactus lovers. Above all, their attractive flower blossoms make them look pretty.
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko is a rarely spotted plant species. This species is in fact the most decorative species of the Astrophytum myriostigma. Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants are originally from Japan.
So, if you are interested in learning more about these plants, you may keep on reading this article as I am going to give you an insight on how to grow these plants from scratch.
This article includes the basic are tips you need to exercise, the modes of propagating them and the common bugs and illnesses tehy may come across.
How do I identify Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko?
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants tend to have a quite unusual look. They consist of pointed tubercles, and they would usually form along the rib’s edges. Furthermore, they may also consist of areoles which would stick out with large notches.
That characteristic gives them the look of the tooth. When you look at these plants from the above, they would tend to take a tortoise shell. These plants would be about 22-40 cm tall, 5-10 cm in width.
The stem of the Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants would tend to take either a pentagonal or almost spherical shape.
They grow as spineless plants and may contain about 5 ribs. Above all, Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants emerge with pale, yellow-colored blooms. Those flowers would be shining, and you could spot them flowering in spring to summer.
Size of the plant
These plants may reach a maximum height of 22-40cm when they grow to the fullest. Further in terms of the width they would be about 5-10 cm.
Growth rate
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants grow at a slow pace.
One look care guide
| Botanical Name | Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Mature Size | of 22-40 cm tall and 5-10 cm wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sunlight to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well draining sandy |
| Soil pH | Neutral |
| Bloom Time | spring to summer |
| Flower Color | Pale yellow colored |
| Hardiness Zones | USDA hardiness zones 8-9 |
| Native Area | Japan |
| Toxicity | Non toxic |
How do you take care of Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko?
Light Requirement
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants would prefer to grow in a brightly lit place when you cultivate them indoors.. It is vital that they get adequate ample sunlight for them to flourish.
Ideally, you need to expose them for full sunlight when the sunrise is not harsh. However, if you find it difficult to fulfill the sunlight requirement when you grow them indoors, I suggest you supplement light with placing LED lights.
With that being said, when you grow them outdoors, you should still go for a spot where they can gain full sunlight in the morning and partial sunlight during the afternoon hours.
Best is to provide them natural full sunlight for five to six hours when the sunrise is not too intense. Best is to grow them in partial shade when sunlight is too harsh and intense.
If your plants are getting excessive sunlight, they would tend to become brown and yellow. On the other hand, if they are starving for sunlight, they would tend to develop discolorations and become etiolated too.
You need to watch out whether these plants are gaining sufficient sunlight as it is a crucial factor when you provide the right growing care treatments for them.
Temperature and humidity
These plants tend to grow well if you expose them for warmer temperatures right throughout. That said Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants can also resist temperatures up to -5 degrees Celsius for shorter periods.
If the winter conditions are supposed to get much colder, I recommend you to shift the plants indoors. When it comes to the humidity aspect of the plants, they would do well in average room humidity levels.
Is it cold hardy?
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants are somewhat cold hardy plants.
Growth Zone
Astrophytum plants in general prefer to grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-9 and Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants are no exception to that ( I thought so /pls check on this as I couldn’t find details on this).
Watering Requirement
You need to water the Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants with so much caution as many people tend to make mistakes when it comes to watering the Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants. Ideally you need to water them moderately from March till October.
Always keep in mind that you need to proceed with watering these plants only if their soil is dry only. When you water them, make sure you do it thoroughly and let them wither after that. It is very simple to water them. Refrain from watering the plants when they are dormant.
Soil Requirement Type / pH
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants require a mineral-based soil mix to perform well. Ideally you need to choose a soil mix which comprises organic matter like peat or humus. Avoid using a too rich soil mix as then chances are that they become elongated.
Pot size Potting and Repotting
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants want to have a pot type which has sufficient draining holes in the bottom. Besides, I suggest you proceed with terracotta or a clay pot to grow them.
When it comes to repotting, ensure that you perform this task somewhere around in April. So that they have enough time to recover. That said, you need to consider repotting them very rarely.
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants are slow growers so if you really want to transplant them, you need to first see whether your plants are showing any signs of weak growth. Ensure that you do the transplant with caution without damaging the roots.
Where to Plant
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants would survive in place as long as they get good growing conditions such as moderate watering, ample sunlight and a well-draining potting medium.
Fertilizer and time of year
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants have a very minimal requirement when it comes to fertilizing.. However, if you use a low nitrogen fertilizer, it will speed up the growth of the plants.
Spring and summer would be the two ideal seasons to proceed with applying fertilizers.. On the other hand if you wish to have a compact and healthy growth of the plants, you could proceed with a fertilizer which has a greater component of potassium.
Flower
You could witness Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants bearing pale, yellow-colored blooms during spring to summer.
Dormancy
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants are a summer growing and winter dormant set of plants.
Toxicity
There are no reports of toxicity of the Astrophytum plants. So, I believe Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants are no exception to that.
Common bugs and illnesses
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants are somewhat prone for certain pests’ attacks for several other diseases as well. For example, they may occasionally go through red spider attacks, mealybug attacks, scales etc.
In addition to that, Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants may also encounter root rot when you expose them to waterlogged, soggy conditions. However, if you provide the right growing care tips, they would grow problem free.
How to propagate Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko
Best is to use the seeds propagation method to propagate them. In addition to that you may also use the grafting method for propagation process.
Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko benefits
These are the perfect set of plants for container gardening. Their unique small looks make them perfect additions for those.
Conclusion
To recap what we discussed here, Astrophytum myriostigma cv. kikko plants are some fantastic plants which you could ever grow. They are easy to care for plants. Further they may flower easily too. So, I hope you are excited to have them and all set to start growing them.
Read Next : Astrophytum Myriostigma Var. Fukuryu ( A Weird Cactus )
