overwatering and Astrophytum
Quick answer
If overwatering is what's going on with your Astrophytum, the most likely cause is: Astrophytum plants under three years of age or 2 inches in diameter are especially susceptible to injury from overwatering because their small, underdeveloped root systems cannot draw water quickly and a waterlogged mix damages the young crown and roots.
Start here:
- 1. Allow the soil to become almost totally dry between waterings in spring and fall, water only moderately in hot summer weather, and withhold water in winter except for just enough to keep the Astrophytum from shriveling.
- 2. Pot the young Astrophytum in a sharply drained cactus mix of 1 part commercial potting soil and 1 part sharp sand with 1 tablespoon of bone meal and 1 tablespoon of ground limestone per gallon, and withhold fertilizer from newly potted plants for the first year.
Why overwatering happens to Astrophytum
Astrophytum
Astrophytum plants under three years of age or 2 inches in diameter are especially susceptible to injury from overwatering because their small, underdeveloped root systems cannot draw water quickly and a waterlogged mix damages the young crown and roots.
How to correct overwatering on Astrophytum
- 1
Allow the soil to become almost totally dry between waterings in spring and fall, water only moderately in hot summer weather, and withhold water in winter except for just enough to keep the Astrophytum from shriveling.
- 2
Pot the young Astrophytum in a sharply drained cactus mix of 1 part commercial potting soil and 1 part sharp sand with 1 tablespoon of bone meal and 1 tablespoon of ground limestone per gallon, and withhold fertilizer from newly potted plants for the first year.
Keep overwatering from repeating on this Astrophytum
Water young Astrophytum under 2 inches in diameter only when the soil is dry to the touch, cut winter watering back to the minimum needed to prevent shriveling, and keep the plant slightly drier than a mature specimen until its root system is established.