Astrophytum caput-medusae

[dvg]

I wasn't sure how viable the four year old Astrophytum caput-medusae seeds would be, but I thought I'd give them a try anyway.

I put four seeds into a paper towel and just a few days later, three have visibly sprouted with the fourth seed looking like it is about to sprout tomorrow, since the seed shell has cracked open just a tad.

These seeds were from Koehres Kaktus and they have been stored in the fridge since I got them in 2007.

dvg

 

[swords]

Awesome! I've always wanted that deformed little freak but didn't wanna part with the huge amounts of cash they usually go for on evilbay. Good luck with your seedlings!

 

[dvg]

Awesome! I've always wanted that deformed little freak but didn't wanna part with the huge amounts of cash they usually go for on evilbay. Good luck with your seedlings!

Thanks Swords, it isn't surprising that the plants were expensive...

....just a few years ago the seeds alone were going for 20 Euros per seed.

It's a good thing that Astrophytum seeds are easy to germinate.

dvg

 

[dvg]

A young Astrophytum caput-medusae seedling starting out...

dvg

 

[justjack]

Updates!!

 

[dvg]

This same seedling is sending up it's first tubercle, which actually reminds more me of a tendril or a tentacle...probably the carnivorous plant's influence coming through there...

dvg

 

[dvg]

Another update on the same seedling...the other three are doing well too, but this one is the fastest so far...

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[dvg]

Another update on this seedling...

...which looks to be leaning towards the light.

This rather strange cactus species also goes by the name of A. digitostigma.

dvg

 

[dvg]

A couple of the other A. caput-medusae seedlings have begun sending up their second tubercles.

dvg

 

[JB_OrchidGuy]

wooo those are cool!!

 

[swords]

Awesome for such a short span of time!