Astrophytum capricorne aka Bishop's Cap

Taxonomy

Asttum capricorne, commonly known as the goat's horn cactus, is a small succulent plant in the Cactaceae family. Native to the Coahuila regions of Northern Mexico, this species is found in the Chihuahuan desert. It is a spherical to ovoid cactus, growing up to 25 centimeters tall and 10 centimeters wide, with 7 to 9 light-green ribs adorned with white flecks. The plant's stem starts off rounded and later changes to an oval or columnar shape, exhibiting various colors ranging from bright green to gray. As it matures, it becomes covered in long, twisted spines that resemble the horns of a goat. During the summer season, the goat's horn cactus produces vibrant yellow flowers with a red center, measuring 6 to 10 centimeters in diameter. These flowers eventually transform into round reddish fruits containing plantable seeds. This species is considered of "least concern" by the IUCN due to its widespread distribution in the Chihuahuan desert. Thanks to its ease of maintenance and striking blooms, the goat's horn cactus is highly valued by succulent enthusiasts.

Common names

Bishop's Cap, Bishop's Hat, Goat's Horn

How to care for Bishop's Cap

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Bishop's Cap, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Bishop's Cap does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Bishop's Cap is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

Bishop's Cap requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Bishop's Hat is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Bishop's Cap prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Bishop's Cap is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Bishop's Cap’s native range is North America.


More info:
Wikipedia