Astrophytum myriostigma aka Bishop's Cap
Taxonomy ID: 685
Astrophytum myriostigma, also known as the bishop's cap cactus, bishop's hat, or bishop's miter cactus, is a species of cactus native to the highlands of northeastern and central Mexico. It is a small, thornless succulent cactus that forms a spherical or shortly columnar shape, reaching a height of up to 20cm. The plant has light yellow flowers that are approximately 5cm across, sometimes with a reddish center, and they bloom in the summer. This cactus is characterized by its ribbed grey-green stems, which are spineless and asymmetrical, giving it a star-like shape. It is also known for its unique appearance, which led to its popularity when it was introduced to European countries in the 19th century. The stems can grow up to 7.9 inches (20 cm) tall, and the cactus is covered with small white spots. Its flowers typically appear in spring or early summer and can take several years to bloom as the cactus develops slowly.
Common names
Bishop's Cap, Bishop's Cap Cactus, Bishop's HatMore information about Bishop's Cap
How difficult is it to take care of Bishop's Cap
Caring for Bishop's Cap is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
What is the region of origin of Bishop's Cap
Bishop's Cap’s native range is North America.
What are the water needs for Bishop's Cap
Bishop's Cap does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for Bishop's Cap
When growing the Bishop's Cap, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.
What is the sunlight requirement for Bishop's Cap
To ensure optimal growth, the Bishop's Cap prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
What's the right humidity for Bishop's Cap
Bishop's Cap plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.
How to fertilize Bishop's Cap
The Bishop's Cap grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
Is Bishop's Cap toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
More info:
Wikipedia
