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Cactus SucculentConservatory Greenhouse

Astrophytum capricorne

goat's horn cactus

A spherical to ovoid cactus 20-25cm in height and 10cm in diameter, with 7-9 ribs which are light-green with white flecks. Long, twisted spines are yellowish-brown in colour. Yellow flowers 6-10cm are produced in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green White
Summer Green White Yellow
Autumn Green White
Winter Green White
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Astrophytum are compact perennial cacti with ribbed, spherical or columnar stems bearing woolly, sometimes also shortly spiny areoles, and large, solitary, funnel-shaped flowers in summer, followed by red or green berries

Name status

Correct

Plant range
NE Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in a sharply-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with extra sharp sand, or a proprietary cactus compost, in bright filtered light. Water thoroughly once the compost has become dry in the growing season from spring to early-autumn, but keep dry when dormant. In warmer climates outdoors grow in sharply drained, poor, slightly alkaline soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 21°C in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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