Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Bishop's cap
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Bishop's cap
Astrophytum myriostigma · Bishop's mitre
A spineless, star-shaped cactus with five ribs dusted in tiny white flecks. A geometric, collector-favourite with silky yellow flowers.
Full sunLight
Every 3 weeksWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Bright light with some direct sun.
Water
Every 3 weeks
DryWet
Water sparingly; keep dry in winter.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air.
Temperature
5–35°C (41–95°F)
CoolWarm
Keep dry in cold.
Growth
Slow, globular
SlowFast
Grows 10–20 cm.
Soil
Mineral cactus mix
LeanRich
Very gritty mix.
Fertiliser
Twice a year
RarelyOften
Diluted cactus fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic and spineless.
About this plant
Bishop's cap comes from northern Mexico. It has no spines, making it ideal for homes with children. It flowers from a young age and is fussier about wet soil than most cacti.
Best spots
Sunny windowsills, cactus bowls and covered sunny balconies.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Astrophytum myriostigma |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Origin | Northern Mexico |
| Plant type | Globular cactus |
| Mature size | 10–20 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Spines | None |
| Flowers | Silky yellow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Propagation | Seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Active growth
Keep dry
FloweringActive growthKeep dry
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Soft base | Overwatering. |
| Brown scars | Sunburn or physical damage. |
| Stretching | Low light. |
| Mealybugs | Treat with alcohol. |
| No flowers | Needs a dry winter rest. |
Common questions
Does it have spines?
No.
What are the white flecks?
Tiny hairs that protect it from sun.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Does it flower young?
Yes, often from a few years old.
