Astrophytum myriostigma – care guide

Botanical fact sheet

Astrophytum myriostigma Lem.

✓ Verified fact sheet Nov 4, 2026

Taxonomy: Family: Cactaceae · Genus: Astrophytum8
Plant type: Perennial, succulent plant from the cactus family (Cactaceae). A rounded or short columnar cactus with ribbed stems. Mature specimens are usually spineless, and their stems are covered with small, whitish scale-like hairs, giving them a distinctive speckled appearance.
Native distribution: An endemic species of northeastern Mexico. Its natural populations are found in the northeastern part of Mexico. Within its distribution area, various growth forms and appearances of populations occur.10
Natural habitat: Primarily lives in desert and dry shrubland biomes. Its natural habitats are characterized by dry, highly sunny conditions and well-drained mineral soil. Some populations occur on rocky, stony surfaces and in mountainous environments.
Height / growth form: Young specimens are usually rounded, later taking on a short columnar form. The stem is ribbed, gray-green, and generally spineless. The number of ribs can vary between individuals and during growth; five ribs are common but not exclusive. The surface of the stem has small, whitish scale-like structures. The height of mature plants varies, typically ranging from 20 to 50 cm in horticultural descriptions.
Flowering period: Flowers develop near the top of the stem. The flowers are funnel-shaped, usually yellow or light yellow, with a diameter of about 5 cm. The typical flowering period is summer, but the timing of individual flower openings and the frequency of flowering depend on environmental conditions.
Growth & dormancy period: The active growth period usually begins in spring and continues throughout the summer under suitable light and temperature conditions. The plant's development is most intense during the warmer, sunny months. Flowering typically occurs in summer.

In autumn, growth gradually slows down, followed by a dormant period from late autumn to the end of winter. During this time, a cool, bright, frost-free environment and significantly reduced watering are necessary. During cold dormancy, the plant's development largely halts. In spring, with the increase in temperature and light, active growth gradually resumes.

The exact start and end of the dormant period depend on the care conditions, particularly temperature and lighting.1 2 3
Ecology: A drought-tolerant, succulent plant that stores water in its fleshy stem. It has adapted to the dry, sunny conditions of its natural habitat. Its flowers are visited by insects; the activity of flower visitors has been scientifically studied in a natural population in northeastern Mexico.
Conservation status: LC Least concern (IUCN)
The IUCN Global Red List classifies it as LC (Least Concern – not threatened). According to Mexico's national conservation regulations, it is listed in category A (Threatened) under NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. The species is also included in CITES Appendix II, thus its international trade is regulated.12 13

Astrophytum myriostigma, the bishop's cap cactus, bishop's hat or bishop's miter cactus, is a species of cactus native to the highlands of northeastern and central Mexico.
Source: Wikipedia – Astrophytum myriostigma · CC BY-SA 4.0

Sources (17)

RHS – Astrophytum myriostigma · Growth & dormancy period
Hortica – Astrophytum myriostigma Pflege · Growth & dormancy period
Cactus Atlas – Astrophytum myriostigma · Growth & dormancy period
BBC Gardeners' World – Astrophytum myriostigma
BBC Gardeners' World – Astrophytum myriostigma
BBC Gardeners' World – Astrophytum myriostigma
NC State Extension – Astrophytum
GBIF Backbone Taxonomy – Astrophytum myriostigma · Scientific name · CC BY 4.0
GBIF – synonyms · Synonyms · CC BY 4.0
GBIF – distributions (The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP); The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; Flora e Funga do Brasil - Lista ) · Native distribution · CC BY 4.0
Wikidata – Q637364 · CC0
Wikidata – IUCN Red List status (P141) · Conservation status · CC0
IUCN Red List · Conservation status
Wikimedia Commons – Astrophytum myriostigma 1.JPG · CC BY-SA 3.0
Wikipedia (hu) – Papsapka kaktusz · CC BY-SA 4.0
Wikipedia (de) – Bischofsmütze (Kaktus) · CC BY-SA 4.0
Wikipedia (en) – Astrophytum myriostigma · CC BY-SA 4.0

Automatic data comes from the open sources above, credited per their licences. Care experience is shown separately below.

Community knowledge

Tips & experience from members

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Real data

How members water it

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Care guidelines

How it thrives

Partly general data for the genus Astrophytum

Waterlow

Lightfull sun

Humiditylowgeneral genus data

Min. temperature5 °C

Dry winter restDifficulty: ●●○○○ · general genus data✓ Not known to be toxic

No monthly schedule is shown because cultivar-/species-level data is not yet sufficient. The general values above are guidance only.

Grow in cactus compost with added limestone chippings in a bright spot; water during the growing season and keep dry in winter.

⚠ Pets & children · genus Astrophytum

Not known to be toxic 🐱 🐶 🧒details →

At a glance

Astrophytum myriostigma – what to know

Astrophytum myriostigma – family: Cactaceae, genus: Astrophytum. Native range: An endemic species of northeastern Mexico. Its natural populations are found in the northeastern part of Mexico. Within its distribution area, various growth f…. Care guidelines: light: full sun; water: low; min. 5 °C. One Perfect Plants Club member grows it (1 photos). It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.

All Astrophytum species in the catalog →Detailed toxicity data →