Astrophytum myriostigma (Bishop’s Mitre)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Astrophytum myriostigma
- Common names: Bishop's Cap / Star Cactus

Background & Origin
Astrophytum myriostigma, commonly known as Bishop’s Cap or Star Cactus, is a small, slow-growing cactus native to Mexico. It is unique for being spineless and typically featuring five ribs (occasionally four). Its globular body, covered in tiny white trichomes, can gradually become columnar with age. In summer, it produces striking yellow, fragrant flowers, making it a visually appealing and low-maintenance addition to any cactus collection.

Care Level
- Care level: Easy
- Suitable for beginners: Yes

What It Loves
- Bright warm spot
- Letting the compost dry out

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Dark spots will cause legginess

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Bedroom
- Living room
- Office
- Conservatory

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: Up to 70 - 100 cm tall with time
- Typical spread: Up to 10-20cm wide
- Growth rate: Moderate to fast in growing season
- Pruning required: Occasional, to manage size and encourage bushier growth.

Is This Plant Right for You?
This plant is a great choice if you:
- Love unique, sculptural cacti
- Want a low-maintenance, slow-growing plant
- Enjoy spineless, globular forms with texture

Light
- Best light: Bright warm sunny spot
- Avoid: Dark areas

Watering
- Frequency: Water when soil is completely dry,
- Seasonal note: Reduce watering in winter when growth slows to almost none.

Humidity
- Prefers: No humidity
- Extra humidity helpful?: These plants are native to arid conditions and do not require humidity.

Feeding
- Feed with: A balanced houseplant fertiliser
- Frequency: Once or twice during growing season during spring and summer. No feeding is needed during autumn and winter.

Toxicity
- Pet safe: Yes
- Notes: Keep out of reach of pets and small children to avoid leaf damage.

Repotting
- How often: Once a year
- Signs it’s needed: Roots growing out of the drainage holes, slower growth, or soil drying very quickly. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.