Astrophytum asterias aka Sand Dollar Cactus

Taxonomy

Astrophytum asterias, also known as the sand dollar cactus, sea urchin cactus, star cactus, or star peyote, is a species of cactus in the Astrophytum genus. It is native to small regions of Texas in the United States and Mexico. This slow-growing and low-stemmed cactus features a barrel-shaped, spineless green stem adorned with white spots and tufted hairs. During the summer, it produces large yellow flowers with orange throats. The Astrophytum asterias, commonly referred to as the Star Cactus, is a small, round, and squat plant that reaches a height of 2.5-6 cm and a diameter of 5-15 cm.

Common names

Sand Dollar Cactus, Silver Dollar Cactus, Sea Urchin Cactus

How to care for Sand Dollar Cactus

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Sand Dollar Cactus, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Sand Dollar Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To keep your Sand Dollar Cactus healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Sand Dollar Cactus requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Silver Dollar Cactus is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Sand Dollar Cactus plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

Sand Dollar Cactus prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Sand Dollar Cactus is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Sand Dollar Cactus as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Sand Dollar Cactus’s native range is North America.


More info:
Wikipedia