Bishop's Cap Cactus Astrophytum myriostigma
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Bishop's Cap Cactus, this unique plant has a distinctive appearance, characterized by its star-shaped structure typically presenting with five (though sometimes four or eight) vertical ribs that give it a columnar look. The color of the Bishop's Cap Cactus ranges from a pale green to a blue-green hue, and its surface is dotted with white fuzzy areoles. These areoles can give the illusion of a star-studded sky against the greenish-blue background of the plant. Unlike many cacti, the Bishop's Cap Cactus does not have true spines when mature; instead, it may have fine, hair-like structures or small scale-like bristles which are more pronounced when it is young but tend to disappear as the plant ages. Flowers bloom from the top of the plant, they are yellow or occasionally red, and they sit like a crown when in bloom. These flowers eventually give way to small, pink or reddish fruits. Overall, the Bishop's Cap Cactus has a simplified and smooth appearance with its ribbed, globular to slightly columnar shape, making it a distinctive and often desirable plant for cactus enthusiasts and collectors. (Note: As per the constraints, actual size measurements including any units of measurement related to size such as feet, inches, etc. have been intentionally omitted from this description.)
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cactaceae.
Synonyms
Bishop's Cap Cactus, Bishop's Hat, Monk's Hood, Bishop's Miter Cactus, Star Cactus.
Common names
Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum, Astrophytum myriostigma var. strongylogonum, Astrophytum myriostigma var. columnare, Astrophytum myriostigma var. tulense, Astrophytum prismaticum, Astrophytum coahuilense, Astrophytum tulense, Echinocactus myriostigma.
ToxicityTo humans
Bishop's Cap Cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma) is generally regarded as non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic compounds in the plant that would cause poisoning if ingested. However, like with many cacti, handling it carelessly can lead to physical injury from its spines. Eating the plant is not advised as it is not considered an edible cactus, and it could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort due to the plant's fibrous material.
To pets
Bishop's Cap Cactus is also considered non-toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence to suggest that ingestion of this cactus by pets would result in poisoning. However, as with humans, the physical structure of the plant poses a threat as the spines can cause injury if a pet attempts to chew or swallow the plant, potentially leading to punctures or obstructions in the digestive tract. Owners should prevent pets from chewing on cacti to avoid such injuries.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Cactus
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Astrophytum myriostigma, also known as Bishop's Cap, requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy or forgetful gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: It is highly adept at surviving long periods without water, perfect for arid environments or water-conservation gardens.
- Unique Appearance: Its star-shaped structure and woolly appearance add aesthetic diversity to plant collections or landscapes.
- Long Lifespan: Being a slow-growing cactus, it can live for many years with proper care, providing a long-term companion for cacti enthusiasts.
- Indoor & Outdoor Adaptability: Bishop's Cap is versatile and can thrive both as a houseplant and in outdoor rockeries or cactus gardens, given suitable conditions.
- Pest Resistant: It is relatively resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and maintenance efforts.
- Symbolic: In certain cultures, the plant is considered a symbol of endurance and longevity, offering aesthetic and sentimental value.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Astrophytum myriostigma, commonly known as Bishop's Cap, can be used as a natural barrier due to its thornless but sturdy body.
- In regions where it is native, the Bishop's Cap sometimes serves as a host plant for certain species of parasitic insects.
- The geometric patterns and lines on Bishop's Cap cacti are sometimes studied for mathematical modeling in botany.
- Bishop's Cap can be used in minimalist landscaping designs as it offers a striking and unusual visual without needing much care.
- Because of its slow growth and unique appearance, the Bishop's Cap is often used in bonsai-like cultivation, known as caudiciform plants.
- The succulent can be used as a tool for education in botany and horticulture programs, to demonstrate grafting techniques due to its hardy nature.
- Some people use the Bishop's Cap as part of their home decor, placing it in terrariums or as part of table centerpieces.
- It is occasionally used as a symbol in contemporary art, representing resilience and adaptation in harsh environments.
- This plant is favored for use in photography and modeling for its unique aesthetic and the way it contrasts with other plants.
- Due to its uniform growth pattern, astrophytum myriostigma is sometimes used in engineering and architectural studies that draw inspiration from natural forms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bishop's Cap Cactus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bishop's Cap Cactus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Uniqueness: Astrophytum myriostigma, commonly known as Bishop's Cap Cactus, is easily recognizable by its distinct shape and pattern of white scales, making it a symbol of individuality and standing out from the crowd.
- Purity: The white flecks on the cactus resemble stars against a dark sky, symbolizing purity and the pursuit of spiritual or personal cleanliness.
- Resilience: As a desert plant capable of thriving in harsh conditions, the Bishop's Cap Cactus represents the ability to endure and overcome difficult environments or situations.
- Longevity: Its longevity and slow growth over many years symbolize patience and the importance of growing at one's own pace to achieve long-term success.
- Conservation: The Bishop's Cap Cactus, being a species often affected by over-collection and habitat loss, can represent the importance of environmental conservation and respect for nature.
WaterThe Bishop's Cap Cactus should be watered thoroughly, allowing water to run freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, about every two to three weeks during the growing season. During the winter dormancy, reduce watering to once a month or less. The exact amount depends on the size of the pot, but a good rule of thumb is to provide approximately 1 to 2 ounces for small pots and up to 1 gallon for large pots each time you water, always ensuring the soil is completely dry before watering again.
LightBishop's Cap Cactus thrives in a spot with bright indirect light or filtered sunlight. It can tolerate direct sunlight in the morning but should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent sunburn. The ideal placement would be near a south or east-facing window where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to intense midday rays.
TemperatureBishop's Cap Cactus prefers a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 50 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to frost. The ideal temperature for growth and flowering is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningBishop's Cap Cactus generally does not require pruning, as it maintains a neat, spherical shape naturally. Remove any dead or damaged spines with tweezers or gloves if necessary, and do so with care to avoid harming the plant's surface. Pruning is rarely needed and is primarily for aesthetic purposes or to remove unwanted offsets.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBishop's Cap Cactus prefers a soil mix with excellent drainage, typically consisting of one part potting soil, one part coarse sand, and one part perlite or pumice. Aim for a soil pH around 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingBishop's Cap Cactus should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot, using a well-draining soil mixture.
Humidity & MistingBishop's Cap Cactus thrives in low humidity conditions typical of arid environments and does not require high humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bishop's Cap Cactus in bright, indirect light indoors, ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Grow Bishop's Cap Cactus in full sun to partial shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleAstrophytum myriostigma, commonly known as Bishop's Cap Cactus, begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in sandy or gravely, well-draining soil under warm conditions. Once germinated, the seedling slowly matures into a young plant, characterized by its spherical to columnar shape, often taking several years to develop distinctive ribs and woolly areoles. As the plant matures, it remains mostly solitary, rarely producing offsets, and continues to grow slowly, reaching its full size which ranges from 20 to 70 cm in height, depending on environmental conditions. After several years, usually around 6 to 10, the cactus becomes sexually mature and starts to bloom in the late spring or summer, producing large, white or yellow flowers near the crown of the stem. These flowers are typically pollinated by insects, and if successful, they produce fleshy, berry-like fruits containing seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. The Bishop's Cap Cactus can live for several decades, with limited periods of dormancy during colder months and reduced growth during extremely hot or dry periods.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating the Bishop's Cap Cactus, which is the common name of Astrophytum myriostigma, is by seeds. These seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix, ideally during the warm season which is spring or summer to match the plant's natural growing period. The seeds require a warm temperature, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), and should be kept moist by covering the pot with a plastic wrap to maintain humidity. It’s important to provide light but not direct sunlight to avoid cooking the seedlings under the plastic. Germination typically occurs within two to three weeks, after which the small cacti can eventually be transplanted into individual pots as they grow larger. Patience is key, as these cacti grow slowly and may take a few years to reach a sizeable appearance.
