Bishop's Cap

Bishop's Cap, scientifically known as Astrophytum myriostigma, is a distinctive and ornamental cactus native to the highlands of Northeast and Central Mexico. It is popular among cactus enthusiasts for its unique appearance and ease of care.

This plant is relatively small, typically growing to about 2 to 6 inches in height, with a spread of 6 to 12 inches. Bishop's Cap is characterized by its globular to columnar shape, usually divided into five (sometimes four) distinct ribs or sections, resembling the shape of a bishop's mitre – hence the name. The surface of the cactus is a greenish-gray and is often dotted with small white flecks, giving it a star-like appearance.

One of the charming features of Astrophytum myriostigma is its flowers. The cactus produces large, daisy-like flowers at the top of the stem, which are typically yellow or white. These blooms usually appear in the summer and can be quite showy, adding an extra layer of interest to this already striking plant.

Bishop's Cap prefers full sun to partial shade and requires a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix. Overwatering is a common issue with cacti, so it's essential to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. This cactus is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.

Due to its compact size, Bishop's Cap is an excellent choice for container gardening, rock gardens, or as part of a succulent collection. It's also a popular plant for beginners due to its low maintenance requirements and slow growth rate.

Overall, the Bishop's Cap cactus is a unique and visually appealing plant, ideal for adding a touch of desert beauty to any indoor or outdoor space. Its geometric shape, star-like skin, and beautiful flowers make it a favorite among both novice and experienced cactus collectors.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Bishop's Cap

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for their mature size and optimal air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking is required; Bishop's Cap grows upright and forms a rounded shape with its distinctive ribs and spines

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil, but ensure it drains well to avoid waterlogging
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering, but ensure the soil drains well to avoid standing water around the cactus

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Bishop's Cap is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months, especially if rainfall is minimal. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. Bishop's Cap is drought-tolerant once established but still benefits from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure that water reaches the root zone and encourages deep root growth.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This ensures that water penetrates deeply into the soil and supports healthy root development.
• Number of Emitters: Place 1 emitter per plant to ensure even water distribution around the root zone. You may need to add extra emitters as the plant matures.
• Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for cacti like Bishop's Cap that prefer deep watering but do not like overwatering. This will allow you to adjust the watering frequency and duration according to their needs.
• Adjusting Frequency: In the summer, you may need to increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days to ensure the plant stays hydrated. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks, or adjust based on rainfall.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Bishop's Cap is highly sensitive to overwatering. Ensure that the soil drains well, as standing water around the base of the plant can cause root rot.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, reduce temperature fluctuations, and suppress weeds. Avoid placing mulch directly against the plant’s stem.