How to Grow Devil's Tongue Barrel
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Devil's Tongue Barrel
Astrophytum asterias var. mirabilis
succulentDevil's Tongue Barrel is a slow-growing succulent cactus with a distinctive star-shaped body covered in white tubercles and adorned with crimson-red flowers. Native to Mexico, this unusual variety is prized by collectors for its unique appearance and relatively compact growth habit. It requires minimal water and prefers bright light and well-draining soil.
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Example Devil's Tongue Barrel timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Devil's Tongue Barrel
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Devil's Tongue Barrel
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; can be grown indoors or in containers in cooler zones
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Get my Devil's Tongue Barrel timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Young Plant
1-2 yearsSmall, barely visible to 1-2 inch diameter globe with fine white spines and tubercles forming the characteristic star pattern
Keep in bright light, water very lightly only when soil is completely dry. Protect from excessive moisture. Provide excellent drainage. Use shallow containers.
Juvenile Growth
2-3 yearsPlant gradually expands to 2-4 inches in diameter, star-shaped segments become more pronounced, white tubercles become more prominent
Maintain bright light conditions. Continue minimal watering. Repot only when necessary (every 2-3 years). Avoid fertilizing young plants.
Pre-flowering
1-2 yearsPlant reaches 4-6 inches in diameter, body becomes more robust, developing deeper star-shaped segments and thickened tubercles
Provide full sun exposure. Allow winter dormancy with cool, dry conditions (50-60°F) to trigger flowering. Minimal watering in winter.
Flowering
2-4 weeks (individual flowers last 1-2 days)Produces strikingly beautiful red or crimson flowers, typically 2-3 inches in diameter, emerging from the crown of the plant
Ensure plant has experienced a cool, dry winter rest period. Provide full sun. Do not disturb the plant during blooming. Flowers typically appear in spring.
Post-bloom/Dormancy
6-8 months until next flowering cycleFlowers fade and drop; plant enters summer growth phase followed by fall/winter dormancy period
Resume minimal watering in summer. Reduce watering again as temperatures cool in fall. Prepare for next winter's rest period by gradually decreasing water and temperature.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or spray with neem oil; improve air circulation
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Manual removal or treat with horticultural oil; inspect regularly for early detection
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Spray with water to dislodge or use neem oil; increase humidity slightly if indoors
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Repot into fresh, dry soil; remove affected roots; reduce watering frequency dramatically
Uses
Collector's Specimen Plant
CraftDevil's Tongue Barrel is highly prized by cactus and succulent collectors worldwide for its rare, distinctive appearance and unique red flowers. Its slow growth and sculptural form make it an exceptional addition to succulent collections and living art displays. [source]
Low-maintenance Indoor Décor
HouseholdWith minimal water and fertilizer requirements, this cactus is ideal for indoor gardeners seeking long-living, visually striking houseplants that require little attention. Its compact size makes it suitable for windowsills, desks, and shelf displays. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe vibrant red flowers attract hummingbirds and specialized desert pollinators in native habitat, providing nectar and supporting local ecosystems where grown outdoors in appropriate zones. [source]
Traditional Folk Medicine Uses
MedicinalIn Mexican traditional medicine, Astrophytum species have been used in various preparations, though modern scientific evidence is limited. Primarily valued for ethnobotanical interest rather than proven therapeutic applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest seeds from seed pods after flowers fade and pods dry. Allow pods to remain on plant until completely desiccated (brown/papery). Extract seeds and allow to dry thoroughly before storing in cool, dry conditions. Can also propagate via offsets if they develop.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Devil's Tongue' refers to the dark red stigma inside the flower that resembles a tongue, creating a somewhat devilish appearance when the flower opens.
- 🌱 This variety can live for 50+ years in ideal conditions, making it a multi-generational houseplant that can be passed down through families.
- 🌱 The white tubercles on the plant's body provide shade and water-storage capabilities, adaptations evolved for the extreme heat and aridity of its native Mexican desert habitat.
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