Astrophytum myriostigma spots

Joined : 12 Jun 2008 Posts : 49 Location : Tas

Hey all.

I've been eyeing-off an OK astro at the local nursery, but I've been hesitating because it's been rubbed to the skin in several patches, obviously by folk experimenting with the texture of the surface.

Does the white spotting return over time, or should I just keep looking for that perfect specimen?

Joined : 24 Jun 2008 Posts : 233 Location : Bendigo

Im pretty sure it wont come back, but if its a decent price and healthy specimen(besides the rub patches) i would most likely buy it Smile

Joined : 04 Apr 2008 Posts : 59 Location : melbourne

Yeah once the flecking is gone, it never returns. They get kinda big and when they do they seem to lose it anyway. If your in it for the long haul, 20years will pass and you won't even remember.

Joined : 07 May 2008 Posts : 599 Location : Melbourne

If its a nice plant get it anyway. as prier says old specimen of A. myriostigma are prone to losing most of the flecks with age. so a currently 'perfect' individual will often inevitably get marked over the years anyway. Or, if you want an immaculate one you could grow a nude specimen and dispose of the problem for good!

p.s unfortunately fma. nudum specimens are very prone to sunburn due to the lack of flecks, which naturally provide sun protection in a normal plant. so unless you have perfect growing conditions and very careful handling skills some marking is likely to occur anyway.

Joined : 16 May 2008 Posts : 194 Location : Canberra

Ask the nursery for a discount to take that 'old, bashed up' Astro off their hands... Smile

Subject: Re: Astrophytum myriostigma spots Tue Jul 22, 2008 1:31 am

Joined : 04 Apr 2008 Posts : 59 Location : melbourne

Joined : 12 Jun 2008 Posts : 49 Location : Tas

Hey, you're all supposed to be discouraging me! I have enough genera on my books already to keep me broke - I really shouldn't get into astros as well!

Wink

You're all leading me astray. Tsk, tsk...

Joined : 24 Jun 2008 Posts : 233 Location : Bendigo

Go for it, it will be the best choice you make all week!

Subject: Re: Astrophytum myriostigma spots Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:40 pm

Astrophytums are cute, addictive and really enjoyable. They are like malteeeeesers - you won't stop at one (says he who has 30+ different types...)

Go on and give one poor lonely asto a go!

Joined : 07 May 2008 Posts : 599 Location : Melbourne

yes, very addictive. very cool plants Smile

Joined : 23 Jul 2008 Posts : 99 Location : Victoria

Just buy it, you will sleep better at night, lol. That poor little plant all lonely looking for a home, go on you know you wanna get it, and I agree they are very cool plants!

Joined : 07 May 2008 Posts : 599 Location : Melbourne

Neat A.capricorne in your avatar Vicki Wink

Joined : 23 Jul 2008 Posts : 99 Location : Victoria

Thanks Lewis, haven't had it very long.

Joined : 07 May 2008 Posts : 599 Location : Melbourne

It's good size...If you are lucky it might even flower next season Very Happy