Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Astrophytum myriostigma, more commonly known as Bishop’s Cap cactus. This plant belongs to the Cactaceae family and is native to the highlands of northeastern and central Mexico. Bishop’s Cap is a spineless cactus with star shaped vertical ribs and white flocked trichomes. This is a unique specimen to spark conversation and interest in your cactus collection. Astrophytum are highly sought after and there have been issues with poaching. Make sure to purchase them from a reputable source. We source our stock from a grower partner located in Vista, California. When in doubt, always ask questions.

Let’s talk about care. Bishop’s Cap need a minimum of 5-6 hours of bright, direct light per day. Consider adding the Mossify LED Plant Light to help supplement darker days throughout our Minnesota winters. If you are inclined to put your plant outside for the summer, make sure to acclimate your plant to full sun before exposing it to the intense rays of the summer months. When repotting, we recommend using a soil with sharp drainage such as the Sol Soils Cactus Gritty Mix to avoid overwatering and root rot. Bishops Cap can handle drought making it a great houseplant for the busy human. Allow the soil to completely dry before giving it a good soak. Keep an eye out for common pests such as mealy bugs. Check for pests when watering and keep a bottle of Bonide’s Insecticidal Soap on hand for easy treatment.

Astrophytum Myriostigma is available at Tonkadale in 4” pots. If you have additional questions feel free to reach out to us by phone, Instagram, or email us at hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy Planting!