Astrophytum asterias 'Kikko'
Astrophytum asterias 'Kikko, also sold as Kikko Kabuto, is a tubercular mutant selection of the disc-shaped cactus Astrophytum asterias. Instead of the smooth, continuous ribs of a normal asterias, the body of a Kikko plant is broken up into raised, block-like tubercles separated by deep clefts, giving it the look of a tortoiseshell (kikkō being the Japanese word for a turtle's shell).
Description
Where a typical Astrophytum asterias shows several low, flat ribs running unbroken from the growing point to the base, 'Kikko' has those ribs interrupted crosswise so that each rib dissolves into a stack of chunky, raised tubercular blocks. The furrows between blocks are usually deeper than the shallow rib-grooves of an ordinary plant, and the areoles — the small, woolly, spineless dots that asterias is known for — sit perched on the raised faces of the tubercles rather than in a continuous line. The white flecking that dusts the epidermis is retained, so the overall effect is a knobbly, sculpted green-and-white dome.
The strength of the tortoiseshell pattern varies a great deal from plant to plant and even changes as a single specimen ages: some are only lightly rumpled while the best examples are dramatically blocky. Because 'Kikko' is a growth mutation rather than a colour or spination form, it is frequently combined with other asterias traits, and you will see it paired with the star-shaped Super Kabuto flecking, with the smooth nudum (fleck-less) form, or in variegated plants. Flowers, when they come, are the usual asterias yellow with a red-orange throat.
Cultivation
Care is the same as for the parent species, Astrophytum asterias — bright light with some protection from the harshest afternoon sun, a fast-draining mineral-heavy mix (see Soil and potting mix), sparing water with a full dry-down between drinks, and a dry winter rest kept above freezing. See Watering for the "soak and dry" rhythm these plants prefer.
A couple of points are worth noting for tubercular forms. The deep clefts between blocks can trap water and debris, so water in the morning and keep the crown airy to avoid rot lodging in the crevices. Kikko plants also tend to be slower and a little fussier on their own roots than plain asterias, which is one reason many are grown grafted (see below).
Propagation
'Kikko' is raised from seed, but the tortoiseshell trait does not come true reliably — a batch of seedlings from Kikko parents will throw a range of plants from nearly normal to strongly blocked, and growers select the best. Vigorous or difficult seedlings are very often grafted onto a fast stock such as Hylocereus or Myrtillocactus to speed them along and to fatten up the tubercles; many are later grown back onto their own roots once established.
Common problems
- Rot — the number-one killer; overwatering, a cold wet winter, or water sitting in the deep tubercle clefts will rot the roots or crown. Keep the mix lean and let it dry out fully.
- Weak patterning — under low light or with too much rich feeding, the tubercles can grow soft and the tortoiseshell effect flattens out. Bright light keeps the blocks tight and defined.
- Pests — mealybugs (including root mealybugs) and red spider mite are the usual offenders; the crevices give mealybugs good hiding spots, so inspect the plant regularly.
See also
- Astrophytum asterias — the parent species
- Astrophytum — the genus overview
- Astrophytum asterias 'Super Kabuto' — the flecked selection Kikko is often combined with
- Grafting · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — seed