Bishop’s Cap Cactus Info – Learn About Growing A Bishop’s Cap Cactus
Growing a Bishop’s Cap (Astrophytum myriostigma) is fun, easy, and a great addition to your cactus collection.
What is Bishop’s Cap Cactus?
Spineless with a globular to cylindrical stem, this cactus grows in the shape of a star. It is native to mountainous regions of northern and central Mexico and has easily found its way across the border to gain popularity in the U.S. In Mexico, it grows in chalky soil in stony ground. It grows happily here in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 and as a container plant in lower zones.
Daisy-like flowers bloom on the mature Bishop’s Cap, yellow with a red to orange center. While each flower lasts just a couple of days, they bloom in succession and flowers may be present for an extended time. The beautiful blooms are slightly fragrant and just another good reason to grow this beautiful plant.
As the plant grows, white hairy scales appear in the form of a Bishop’s mitre, a headdress worn by the religious leader. This earns the five-pointed plant another common name – Deacon’s Hat and Monk’s Hood.
The plant normally has five protruding ribs, creating the star shape, but it can have four to eight speckled ribs. These develop as the plant matures.
Bishop’s Cap Cactus Care
If you purchase or otherwise receive the Bishop’s Cap plant at a young age, don’t expose it to full sun. It can take full sun in maturity but usually does better in light shade. This cactus often grows well on a dappled sun windowsill but be careful if the sun shines through.
Bishop’s Cap cactus info says the plant is hard to kill unless you grow it in rich soil or water too heavily. Grow Bishop’s Cap in a fast-draining gritty mix. Provide only moderate water in spring and summer and keep this cactus completely dry during fall and winter. As soon as temperatures begin to drop in autumn, withhold the water.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
If you wish to fertilize the cactus, use a low-nitrogen content food only in spring and summer. Bishop’s Cap has a protective covering of chalky scales, giving it a silver tone. Be gentle with them as they won’t grow back if accidentally rubbed off.
Becca Badgett was a regular contributor to Gardening Know How for ten years. Co-author of the book How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden, Becca specializes in succulent and cactus gardening.
-
5 Low-Maintenance Plants & Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning To Look Their Best
By Teo Spengler
-
6 Fall Lawn Care Tasks To Prioritize Before Winter – Plus When To Make The Last Cut
Use our guide to prepare your lawn for its winter slumber, and it will awaken in spring with lush, verdant grass you can be proud of.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Variegated Succulents To Add To Your Plant Collection
Read about some of the pretty variegated species that add beauty and interest to your succulent collection.
By Becca Badgett
-
How To Protect Succulents And Cacti From Rain
Rain has the potential to cause damage to our cacti and succulents. However, when planted in proper soil, rainfall may perform as just a deep watering. Read on for more.
By Becca Badgett
-
Succulents and Frost: How To Save A Succulent From Frost Or Freeze
Can succulents withstand cold? Succulents and frost don't traditionally go together and can result in damage, but you may be able to save frozen succulents.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Pink Succulents Varieties To Try: How To Grow Perfect Pink Succulent Plants
Pink succulents may display the color on leaf edges or with streaks or blotches mingled throughout the foliage. Here are our favorites.
By Becca Badgett
-
10 No Fuss Cacti - What’s The Best Low Maintenance Cactus
If you’re thinking of adding plants to your collection, consider no fuss cacti. Click here for an easy cacti list, even for beginners.
By Becca Badgett
-
5 Best Succulents For A Bathroom
Some succulents can be great options for bathroom decoration. Read on for our top five bathroom succulent ideas.
By Becca Badgett
-
What Is A Succulent Starter Kit - Best Succulent Starter Kits
While garden kits are not the most inexpensive option for growing succulents, they do include everything you’ll need. Grow succulents from seed by using a succulent seed starter kit to learn the process and to check your results.
By Becca Badgett
-
Dazzling Succulents - Succulents With Striking Flowers
When you think of succulents you may just envision their unique leaves and stems. But succulents also produce bright and bold flowers in the right conditions. Read on to learn more.
By Bonnie L. Grant