Frailea asteri Plant Care
Frailea amerhauseri Prestlé
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This cactus species is characterized by its compact, spherical shape and unique golden spines that contrast beautifully with its green body. Originating from Argentina, Frailea amerhauseri is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and rarity in cultivation. Its small size and easy care make it a perfect addition to any succulent collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Frailea asteri?
Water Frailea asteri every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Frailea asteri?
Frailea asteri (Frailea amerhauseri) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Frailea genus. Frailea asteri is native to Argentina, Bolivia. Frailea asteri is also known as Asteria cactus.
Frailea asteri displays a solitary or clustering, low-growing cactus growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Frailea asteri produces small, colorful flowers in shades of yellow, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Frailea asteri?
Frailea amerhauseri requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Frailea asteri Need?
Frailea asteri thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Frailea asteri Prefer?
Frailea amerhauseri grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Frailea asteri prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Frailea asteri?
Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Frailea asteri to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Frailea asteri?
Feed Frailea asteri every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Frailea asteri?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Frailea asteri?
Frailea asteri can be propagated through offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chestnut frailea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Frailea asteri Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Frailea asteri, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Frailea asteri?
Frailea asteri is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Frailea asteri Need?
Frailea asteri grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Frailea asteri is native to Argentina, Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow Frailea asteri as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Frailea asteri is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Frailea genus — compare its care with other Frailea species on PlantoScan.
Frailea is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Frailea asteri thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Frailea Species
Other Frailea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Frailea amerhauseri Prestlé, family Cactaceae (first published in in Succulenta (Netherlands) 81(3): 130. 2002.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Frailea asteri, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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