Bishops cap cactus, a spineless five-ribbed grey-green globe with white flecks in a terracotta pot

Bishop’s Cap

Astrophytum myriostigma
Categories:
Cacti & Succulents  ·  
Barrel & Globe Cactus
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Low water; water thoroughly only after the soil dries completely during warm-season growth. Keep nearly dry in winter, especially during cold weather.
Size
1-3 ft tall × 0.5-1 ft wide
Habit
Barrel/globular cactus
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
A spineless Mexican cactus with pronounced ribs, usually five, forming a bishop’s-cap shape. Tiny white flecks give its green surface a silvery appearance.
Bloom Time
Spring to summer
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Architectural Form, Drought Tolerant, Thornless, Thorny / Spiny
Growth Rate
Slow
Growth Habit
Barrel/globular cactus
Mature Size
1-3 ft tall × 0.5-1 ft wide
Flower Color
Yellow
Foliage Color
Gray-green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio, Specimen / Accent
Garden Style
Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape
Soil
Moist Soil, Sandy / Rocky
Companion Plants
Ariocarpus species, Light, Small Mammillaria species, Winter-dry requirements
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Bright light with morning sun and afternoon shade in Phoenix; acclimate gradually to direct sun and protect from intense summer afternoon exposure.

Water: Low water; water thoroughly only after the soil dries completely during warm-season growth. Keep nearly dry in winter, especially during cold weather.

Soil: Very fast-draining, predominantly mineral cactus mix with pumice, gravel, or coarse grit; avoid moisture-retentive soil.

Mature size: Typically 12–24 inches tall and 6–10 inches wide over many years; old specimens may grow taller.

Bloom: Yellow flowers appear intermittently from spring through summer on mature plants, often beginning after several years.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent; persistent green stems with no visible foliage.

Growth rate: Slow.