Astrophytum capricorne var. niveum
| Light | Bright light; a little shade from the harshest afternoon sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Sparingly; let the mix dry fully between waterings, keep dry over winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining mineral mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Seed (primary); grafting to speed seedling growth |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Astrophytum capricorne var. niveum is a variety of the goat's-horn cactus Astrophytum capricorne, set apart by an especially dense, uniform covering of white flecking that gives the whole plant a frosted, snow-white appearance. Care follows the parent species in every respect; see Astrophytum capricorne for the full account.
Description
Like the typical form of Astrophytum capricorne, var. niveum is a globular to shortly columnar cactus with prominent ribs and long, flattened, curving spines that arch over the body in the papery, twisting manner that gives the species its "goat's-horn" name. What distinguishes niveum is the body covering: it carries a much denser, more uniform layer of the fine white flecks (trichome tufts) typical of Astrophytum, so that the plant reads as markedly whiter and frostier than the type. In good light the flecking can nearly obscure the green epidermis, throwing the dark, twisting spines into strong contrast. Flowers are the familiar large yellow blooms of the species, often with a red-orange throat.
The name niveum (Latin, "snowy") refers to this whiteness. As with many named variations within A. capricorne, the degree of flecking varies from plant to plant, and the boundary between niveum and other selections in the group is not always sharp.
Cultivation
Grow niveum exactly as you would the parent species. Give it bright light — the heavy white flecking actually develops best under strong sun, though a little protection from the fiercest afternoon heat in summer keeps the body from scorching. Plant in a gritty, fast-draining mineral mix and water sparingly through the growing season, always letting the mix dry out completely between soakings (see Watering). Keep it dry and cool over winter to encourage a proper rest and to help set flower buds. Protect from frost.
Because the strong flecking is partly light-dependent, plants grown too shaded tend to green up and lose the crisp white appearance that makes this variety worth having.
See also
- Astrophytum capricorne — the parent species
- Astrophytum — the genus overview
- Grafting · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — seed