Photo: P Gonzalez ZamoraCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Bishop's Cap Cactus Plant Care
Astrophytum myriostigma Lem.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique cactus species is characterized by its star-shaped body covered in white flecks, resembling a celestial body. Originating from Mexico, Astrophytum myriostigma is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and slow growth, making it a rare and valuable addition to any collection.
Full sun
At a glance
How do you care for Bishop's Cap Cactus?
Bishop's Cap Cactus grows best in full sun.
Where Is the Bishop's Cap Cactus Native To?
What Is the Bishop's Cap Cactus?
Bishop's Cap Cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Astrophytum genus. Bishop's Cap Cactus is native to the highlands of northeastern and central Mexico. Bishop's Cap Cactus is also known as Bishop's Hat Cactus, Mitre Cactus, Star Cactus.
Bishop's Cap Cactus displays a low clumping cactus growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Bishop's Cap Cactus produces yellow flowers with red centers.
What Light Does the Bishop's Cap Cactus Need?
Bishop's Cap Cactus thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bishop's Cap Cactus?
Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Bishop's Cap Cactus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Bishop's Cap Cactus?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bishop's Cap Cactus?
Bishop's Cap Cactus can be propagated through seeds, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sand dollar cactus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bishop's Cap Cactus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bishop's Cap Cactus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bishop's Cap Cactus?
Bishop's Cap Cactus is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bishop's Cap Cactus Need?
Bishop's Cap Cactus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Bishop's Cap Cactus is native to the highlands of northeastern and central Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Bishop's Cap Cactus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Bishop's Cap Cactus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Astrophytum genus — compare its care with other Astrophytum species on PlantoScan.
Astrophytum is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Bishop's Cap Cactus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Astrophytum myriostigma Lem., family Cactaceae (first published in Cact. Gen. Sp. Nov.: 4. 1839.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bishop's Cap Cactus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: P Gonzalez Zamora, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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