Bishop's Cap

Bishop's Cap Care

Astrophytum myriostigma

What is the plant

Bishop's Cap is a small, thornless succulent cactus that belongs to the Cactaceae family and is native to Mexico and the United States. In the natural environment, it grows on rocky heights in a hot climate. Interestingly, the cactus first appeared in European countries in the middle of the 19th century and immediately became popular due to its ease of cultivation and unusual appearance.

Astrophytum myriostigma can be easily identified by its large, thornless, asymmetrical ribs, which range from 3 to 10 and create the plant's star-like shape. Stems have a rounded shape that eventually becomes longer and can grow up to 7.9 in (20 cm) tall.

The outside of the cactus is covered with small white spots, and its flowers appear in spring or early summer and are yellow-red in color and up to 1.6 in (4 cm) in diameter. It is worth noting that sometimes you have to wait several years before the first flowering since the cactus develops slowly.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

18°C - 23°C

Hardiness zone

9b - 11b

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water the cactus only after the top layer of the soil has completely dried, as too intensive watering can cause the roots to rot.
Pruning
Gently remove old branches and dead flowers from time to time to promote healthy growth and avoid disease.
Fertilizer
Once a week, use a special slow-release fertilizer during active plant growth.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Bishop's Cap Cactus needs a sufficient amount of sunlight, so place it near a well-lit window or on a balcony. In particularly hot weather, move the cactus to a light shade to avoid burns.
Soil
A good choice is a well-drained potting mix for cacti or succulents with a little sand added.
Propagation
Cut off part of a healthy stem with a disinfected blade, then plant it in the ground and wait for a shoot of the right size to grow.

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Temperature
The best temperature for Astrophytum myriostigma is 70-86˚F (21-30°C). The lowest temperature the cactus can withstand is 50˚F (10°C).
Container
Any container with one large or several small drainage holes will do.
Fun fact
The word "astrophytum" comes from Greek and means "star plant" or "star-shaped plant".