Bishop's Miter, Bishop's Cap
Synonym: Astrophytum columnare, Astrophytum tulense, Astrophytum myriostigma var. potosinum, Astrophytum nuda, Astrophytum myriostigma var. viescaensis, Astrophytum coahuilense, Astrophytum prismaticum, Echinocactus myriostigma, Astrophytum myriostigma var. multicostatus, Astrophytum myriostigma var. columnaris
Family: Cactaceae
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Recommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 9b-10 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 20°F (-6°C) for short periods Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C) Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade Origin: Highlands of central and northern Mexico Growth Habits: Columnar cactus, up to 2 feet long (60 cm) by 8 inches in diameter (20 cm); 4 to 6 ribs (usually 5); no spines; Watering Needs: Moderate water in summer. Needs dry winter rest. Propagation: Seeds that germinate rapidly. Some cultivars are grafted. They take up to 6 years to bloom. |
The Bishop's Miter is an attractive cactus, relatively cold resistant. The stems can be over 3 feet long and 8 inches in diameter (1.2 m by 20 cm). The name 'Astrophytum comes from the Greek for "star plant". The number of ribs vary from 4 to 8.
Cultural Practices:
The Astrophytum myriostigma grows much faster with fertilizer in spring and summer, and regular water throughout the summer. Keep dry as soon as the temperature starts dropping in October. Although it is one of the easier Astrophytum to grow, they tend to rot at that time of the year, if kept wet.
Its color tends to richer and darker when grown in light shade. Mealy bugs and root mealy bugs can be a problem.
Blooming Habits:
The glossy yellow, sweet scented flowers appear continuously during the summer. They are followed by a reddish fruit, 1 inch in diameter (2.5 cm). The plants known as A. coahuilense have a reddish orange throat.
Fruiting Habits:
Check for Field Collection numbers at Ralph Martin's Site
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