Scientific Name
Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum (Rud.Mey.) Frič
Accepted Scientific Name
Astrophytum myriostigma Lem.
Common Name(s)
Bishop's Cap Cactus, Bishop's Cap, Bishop's Hat, Bishop's Miter Cactus, Bishop's Hood
Synonym(s)
Astrophytum myriostigma subsp. glabrum, Astrophytum myriostigma 'Hekiran', Echinocactus myriostigma var. nudus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Astrophytum
Origin
Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum is not accepted as a variety and is treated as a synonym of Astrophytum myriostigma.
Description
Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum is a spineless cactus with a spherical to cylindrical, usually solitary stem with 3 to 8, typically 5 ribs. It is similar to the typical form of Astrophytum myriostigma but lacks the tiny white hairy scales on the stem. The stem can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are pale yellow and up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. They appear in spring or early summer. It takes up to 6 years for this cactus to bloom for the first time.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Bishop's Cap is one of the easiest Astrophytums to grow. It is sometimes seen as a grafted plant but grows very well on its roots too. Like other star cacti, it does not ask for much water and thrives even with a very small Spartan root zone. However, they demand fast drainage overall and are downright hard to kill except with excessive moisture and rich soils. Very slow growth and small size make them ideal for bonsai pots and other creative containers on the porch, window sill, or balcony. These cacti are ideal for beginners due to their lack of thorns, exceptional geometry, and easy cultivation indoors.
Bishop's Cap is cold-hardy to about 20 °F (−6.7 °C). It should be given light shade for best results, although it will tolerate full sun. It should be given moderate water during the summer, but it should be kept dry as soon as the temperature drops and kept perfectly dry in winter at temperatures from 40 to 60 °F (5 to 15 °C). Bishop's Cap grows much faster with a low nitrogen content fertilizer in spring and summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Astrophytum.
Links
- Back to genus Astrophytum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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