If you’re into succulents and cacti, you’ll want to get your hands on an Astrophytum myriostigma. This unique plant is a species of cactus that is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States.
It grows in rocky, desert-like conditions and is often found on cliffs or rocky outcrops.
It has a thick, upright body that is covered in short spines. The upper part of the body also blooms with beautiful yellow flowers.
Quick Facts On Astrophytum Myriostigma
- Family: Cactaceae
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Temperature: 60° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Regular watering
- Fertilizer: Cactus fertilizer once a month
- Propagation: Seed
- Common Problems: Spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and rot
Some of the common household names for the Astrophytum myriostigma include:
- Bishop’s Cap Cactus
- Bishop’s Hat
- Bishop’s Miter Cactus
- Star Cactus
The Bishop’s Cap Cactus gets its common name because the top of the plant resembles a bishop’s hat.
It is also called the star cactus due to its interesting structure that looks like a star.
Astrophytum myriostigma is a great plant for people new to growing cacti and succulents because it’s hardy and relatively easy to care for.
It makes a great addition to any cactus and succulent collection.
With proper care, Astrophytum myriostigma can grow into a large and impressive plant.
Astrophytum Myriostigma Care
Astrophytum myriostigma is a popular cactus in cultivation and is often grown as a houseplant or in gardens in warm climates.
In the following sections, we will cover everything you need to know about caring for your Astrophytum myriostigma, including watering, light requirements, temperature, feeding, and propagation.
What Does The Bishop’s Cap Cactus Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
Astrophytum myriostigma is a slow-growing cactus that can reach up to 24″ inches in height.
The plant has a distinctive star-shaped appearance, with 5 to 8 flat, wide ribs.
The surface of Bishop’s Cap Cactus is covered in small white spots (lenticels), which help the plant absorb moisture from the air.
When grown indoors, the Bishop’s Cap Cactus will typically stay smaller, reaching 12″ to 16″ inches.
When Does The Bishop’s Cap Cactus Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The flowers of the Astrophytum myriostigma are yellow and appear in late spring to early summer.
The flowers are borne on the tips of the stems and are around 2″ inches in diameter. The flowers are not particularly fragrant.
They only open for a few days and are followed by small, green, or black fruits.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Astrophytum myriostigma prefers full sun to partial shade. However, the leaves may become scorched if the plant is grown in too direct sunlight.
It is best to grow the plant in a shady location in hot climates during the hottest part of the day. This is especially true for young plants, which are more susceptible to sunburn.
The ideal temperature range for Astrophytum myriostigma is 64° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit, but it is frost-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as 23° degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it is best to protect the plant from prolonged exposure to cold weather, as this can damage the leaves.
When grown indoors, the plant should be placed in a bright, sunny location.
The Bishop’s Cap Cactus will become etiolated (stretched out and thin) if grown in too much shade.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Bishop’s Cap Cactus?
Astrophytum myriostigma is a succulent plant with thick leaves or stems that can store water.
This means it is quite tolerant of drought and can survive long periods without water.
However, the Bishop’s Cap Cactus will grow and flower best if given a regular water supply during the growing season (spring to fall).
During this time, water the plant whenever the soil has dried out completely.
In winter, reduce watering to once every 2 to 3 weeks, or only water the plant when the soil has dried out completely.
Fertilize Bishop’s Cap Cactus once a month during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10.
Do not fertilize the plant in winter, as this can promote new growth susceptible to frost damage.
What Is The Best Soil For Astrophytum Myriostigma, And When Should You Transplant?
Astrophytum myriostigma prefers well-drained, sandy soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you can mix in some perlite, sand, or grit to improve drainage.
The plant should be transplanted every 2 to 3 years, in late winter or early spring.
If you are transplanting Bishop’s Cap Cactus from the outdoors to indoors, or vice versa, it is best to do this in late spring or early summer to give the plant time to adjust to its new environment before winter.=
Remember to use a pot with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
Does Astrophytum Myriostigma Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Astrophytum myriostigma does not require special grooming or maintenance.
However, removing any dead leaves or flowers from the plant is a good idea to keep it looking neat and tidy.
In late winter or early spring, you can gently scrape away any old, sun-damaged leaves from the plant’s surface. This will encourage new growth.
How To Over-Winter Astrophytum Myriostigma?
If you are growing Astrophytum myriostigma outdoors, bringing the plant indoors or providing protection (such as a cold frame) during the winter months is best.
This is because the plant is not frost-resistant and can be damaged by prolonged exposure to cold weather.
If you are growing the Bishop’s Cap Cactus indoors, there is no need to do anything special to overwinter it.
Just make sure that the plant is in a bright, sunny location and that the soil is allowed to dry out completely between watering.
How To Propagate Bishop’s Cap Cactus?
Astrophytum myriostigma, or Bishop’s cap cactus, is a beautiful and popular cactus that is relatively easy to care for.
Though it is slow-growing, this cactus can eventually reach up to 2′ feet in height.
It produces yellow or white flowers in the springtime, and its fruits are edible.
If you want to propagate your Bishop’s cap cactus, spring or summer is the best time to do so.
To propagate Bishop’s Cactus from seed, do the following:
- Start by collecting the seeds from ripe fruits.
- Sow the seeds in a well-draining cactus potting mix or sandy soil.
- Place the pots in a sunny spot and water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
The seeds will germinate within 2 to 8 weeks.
Astrophytum Myriostigma Pests And Diseases
Bishop’s cap cactus is generally a very tough and resilient plant. However, there are a few pests and disease problems that can occur.
One of the most common pests that affect this cactus is mealybugs.
- Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
If your cactus is infested with mealybugs, you can remove them by rubbing alcohol or horticultural oil.
- Scale insects are another common pest that affects Astrophytum myriostigma.
These pests are small, hard-bodied insects that attach themselves to the plant and feed on the sap. Also, scale insects mainly cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
If your cactus is infested with scale insects, you can remove them by rubbing alcohol or horticultural oil.
- Powdery mildew is a type of fungus that can affect Astrophytum myriostigma. This disease appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves and stems of the plant.
Powdery mildew can cause the leaves to be yellow and drop off. If your cactus is affected by powdery mildew, you can treat it with a fungicide.
- Root rot is another disease that can affect Astrophytum myriostigma. This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil.
Root rot can cause the leaves to be yellow and drop off. It can also cause the base of your plant to look brown.
If your cactus is affected by root rot, you can remove the affected roots and replant them in well-drained soil.
Suggested Uses For Star Cactus
When decorating with Star cactus, the sky is the limit!
These unique and beautiful plants make great centerpieces for tables or shelves. You can also use them to add a touch of desert flair to your landscape.
For example, if you are decorating an indoor space, you can place a star cactus in a pot on a coffee table or side table.
You can also group several together to create a desert-themed display.
If you want to add some desert flair to your landscape, you can use Astrophytum myriostigma as an accent plant.
This cactus looks great paired with other desert plants such as cacti, succulents, and yucca. You can also use it to create a focal point in your landscape.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that is sure to impress, look no further than Astrophytum myriostigma!