# Bishop's Cap Cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma)

> Native to the highland deserts of northeastern and central Mexico, Astrophytum myriostigma is iconic for its spineless, star-shaped stem typically composed of five prominent ribs resembling a bishop's mitre. The epidermis is intricately adorned with tiny white tufts of hair (trichomes) that provide photoprotection against intense solar radiation. In midsummer, mature specimens produce lustrous, silky yellow flowers emerging from the central apex.

- **Scientific Name:** *Astrophytum myriostigma*
- **Botanical Family:** Cactaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Easy (1/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** -5°C (USDA Zone 9a) - Can endure brief light freezes if kept completely dry; winter dormancy requires cool, arid conditions.
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Pet-Safe (Non-toxic to cats and dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/astrophytum-myriostigma
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/astrophytum-myriostigma.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_astrophytum_myriostigma.webp?v=1794513687

## Light & Sun Exposure

Requires abundant bright, direct to lightly filtered sunlight; at least 5–6 hours of full sun daily promotes compact rib formation and distinct flecking.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Follow a strict soak-and-dry regimen; ensure the potting substrate dries out completely between waterings, and withhold water entirely throughout the cold winter dormancy.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

70% Gritty mineral components (pumice, lava rock, zeolite, limestone chips) + 30% organic cactus mix. Highly porous, alkaline-leaning substrate with zero moisture retention.

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

-5°C (USDA Zone 9a) - Can endure brief light freezes if kept completely dry; winter dormancy requires cool, arid conditions.

## Propagation Methods

Primarily propagated from seed sown in warm, bright conditions during spring or early summer; rarely through basal offsets or grafting.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Piskopos Külahı Kaktüsü (Astrophytum myriostigma)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/astrophytum-myriostigma.md)
- [DE: Bischofsmütze (Astrophytum myriostigma)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/astrophytum-myriostigma.md)
- [ES: Gorro de Obispo (Astrophytum myriostigma)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/astrophytum-myriostigma.md)