overwatering and Astrophytum Myriostigma
Quick answer
If overwatering is what's going on with your Astrophytum Myriostigma, the most likely cause is: Astrophytum myriostigma plants under three years of age or 2 inches in diameter (under 5 cm wide) are especially susceptible to injury from overwatering because their small, underdeveloped root systems cannot tolerate waterlogged soil; in spring and fall the soil should become almost totally dry before watering, in summer it should dry only moderately, and in winter the plant should be watered only enough to keep it from shriveling.
Start here:
- 1. Allow the soil to become almost totally dry between waterings in spring and fall, and only moderately dry in hot summer weather, before giving a thorough soaking.
- 2. Cut winter watering back to just enough to prevent shriveling, with cooler temperatures requiring still less water, and never let the pot stand in a saucer of drained water.
Why overwatering happens to Astrophytum Myriostigma
Astrophytum Myriostigma
Astrophytum myriostigma plants under three years of age or 2 inches in diameter (under 5 cm wide) are especially susceptible to injury from overwatering because their small, underdeveloped root systems cannot tolerate waterlogged soil; in spring and fall the soil should become almost totally dry before watering, in summer it should dry only moderately, and in winter the plant should be watered only enough to keep it from shriveling.
How to correct overwatering on Astrophytum Myriostigma
- 1
Allow the soil to become almost totally dry between waterings in spring and fall, and only moderately dry in hot summer weather, before giving a thorough soaking.
- 2
Cut winter watering back to just enough to prevent shriveling, with cooler temperatures requiring still less water, and never let the pot stand in a saucer of drained water.
- 3
Repot into a sharply drained cactus mix of 1 part commercial potting soil to 1 part sharp sand (plus bone meal and ground limestone per the source), and withhold fertilizer from newly potted plants for the first year.
Keep overwatering from repeating on this Astrophytum Myriostigma
Pot Astrophytum myriostigma in a fast-draining mix of 1 part potting soil to 1 part sharp sand, water only when the soil is dry to the touch, withhold water in winter except to prevent shriveling, keep younger plants (under 2 inches / 5 cm wide) on the drier side until their root systems are established, and avoid overpotting in containers without drainage holes.