Scientific Name
Astrophytum coahuilense (H.Moeller) K.Kayser
Common Name(s)
Bishop's Cap, Bishop's Miter, Bishop's Hat, Miter Cactus, Monk's Hood
Synonym(s)
Astrophytum myriostigma subsp. coahuilense, Astrophytum myriostigma var. coahuilense, Echinocactus myriostigma subsp. coahuilensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Astrophytum
Description
Astrophytum coahuilense is an attractive slow-growing cactus, very similar to Astrophytum myriostigma. Although superficially similar to A. myriostigma, the two species bear different flowers, fruits, and seeds. This species is softer and has more grey flecks than A. myriostigma. The flowers are yellow with a red throat.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Astrophytums are not vigorous plants, and they require a lot of patience to reach their full potential. Keep regularly watering and feeding them during the growing season and repot annually to give them space to develop. They need a temperate, dry winter, and make sure not to overwater them to avoid rotting their roots. If given sufficient care, they will develop marvelous flowers once they reach maturity. Watch out for common cactus pests like aphids and scale, as well. These can often be taken care of by a good eco-friendly pesticide or simply wiped away with a cloth.
Repot regularly to help them develop. Astrophytums should be repotted at the beginning of the growing season for best results, allowing them to grow into the impressive specimens for which the genus is known. Protect your hands before repotting due to their stiff spikes, lift the plant out all at once, and then replace it in a larger pot and backfill with soil.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Astrophytum.
Origin
This species is native to Mexico.
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Astrophytum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
