Astrophytum culture.

[RichR]

Can someone give me recommendations for growing Astrophytum asterias (and its many hybrid forms)?

I read somewhere the soil should have some clay, such as NAPA Oil-dri, and should have a slightly more alkaline pH than pH 7.

I plan on using a mineral mix of decomposed granite, expanded shale, and some lava sand (finely crushed scoria). Should i add anything else?

I use to have a bunch of these but a mouse decided they would be good for dinner last summer. I am currently preparing to grow them from seed.

[BarryRice]

Well, it might be that I'm in a great climate, but I grow all the Astrophytum from seed to maturity, in a pure crushed granite/pumice mix. I acidify the water to pH=5.3. So I guess there's more than one way to grow them.

[RichR]

Thanks for the info Barry.