Astrophytum ornatum

Common Name(s)/Synonym(s): Monk’s Hood Cactus

Origin: Native to Mexico.

Description: A solitary greyish/green to dark green stemmed cactus with 5 to 10 ribs, clusters of spines along the ribs, and numerous white woolly flakes for protection from the sun. The stem is globular when young but becomes somewhat columnar with age. It grows up to 1.2m tall and 30cm in diameter, making it the largest and tallest species of the genus. The ribs are straight or occasionally spiralled. The spines are needle-like, yellow at first, later brown, and finally grey. Each areole bears 5 to 11 radial spines and one longer central spine. 

Care: They do best in sunny conditions and require regular watering in growing season. They need a fairly dry winter to avoid root rot, so should be planted in a well draining soil mixture.

*These plants are sold/couriered bare root without the pot and soil. Currently planted in 10cm square pots.