Consulta Plantas

Care of the cacti Astrophytum myriostigma or Bishop's Cap

The genus Astrophytum, family Cactaceae, comprises 6 species of cactus native to Mexico and Texas. The species are: Astrophytum myriostigma, Astrophytum asterias, Astrophytum ornatum, Astrophytum senile, Astrophytum capricorne, Astrophytum coahuilense.

Common names: Bishop's Cap, Bishop's Miter, Bishop's hat, Miter Cactus. This species is native to northeastern and central Mexico.

They are globular-bodied cacti when young (cylindrical when they are adults) that reach 25 cm (9.84") in diameter. The epidermis is green but has so many white scales that it looks gray. They usually have 5 ribs although the "Quadricostatum" variety has 4 as its name suggests. The areolas are located on the edge of the ribs and are brown and boneless. The flowers are large (6 cm/2.36" in diameter) and appear on the top of the cactus. They bloom from spring to early fall.

These slow growing plants are used in pots and for rockeries and cactus and succulent plant gardens.

Astrophytum myriostigma can grow in a full sun exposure but prefers half shade avoiding direct sun in the middle of the day. In winter the temperature should not be below 5 ºC (41 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of 50% coarse sand, 25% leaf or peat mulch and 25% garden substrate.

They need less water than most cacti; water waiting until the soil is completely dry. In winter it is not necessary to water.

They do not need fertilization or pruning.

They are plants resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering.

They propagate by seeds that germinate fairly quickly; seedlings grow fast at first.

Images of the cacti Astrophytum myriostigma or Bishop's Cap