A unique succulent, the Bishop’s Miter serves well as a desktop plant to add interest to the home or office. Its miniature size makes it suitable for indoor use, and can survive outside just as well.
If you are interested in growing Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum, you may have questions about how to care for this plant.
This article is meant to help by providing information on how to grow and take care of this cactus.
in this article:
About Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum
Bishop’s Miter is a variety of the species Astrophytum myriostigma. It results from extensive selective breeding and is thought to be of Japanese origin (Garden grown).
The name Bishop’s Cap comes from its resemblance to the traditional headwear worn by bishops in the Catholic Church. In fact, it is also called the Bishop’s Cap cactus because of this resemblance.
Unlike others in the Myriostigma family, var. nudum is almost entirely green with no white flecks on the cactus’s body. However, it still retains the overall shape of Astrophytum myriostigma: five to six prominent ribs that look like a bishop’s Miter when looked at from above.
The color of the body can deviate, shifting between mid-green, dark green, and grey-green between different specimens. However, the absence of white dots is what makes this species recognizable.
Related Article: An in-depth guide on different types of Cacti
| Botanical Name | Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum |
| Common Name | Bishop’s Miter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | Garden Origin |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 1-4 feet |
| Width | 1-4 feet |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom season | Spring, Summer |
| Bloom color | Pale Yellow |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Rocky Soil |
| Toxicity | non-toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 10-11 |
Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum Care
Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum is a very easy-to-care-for cactus. It can be grown in various conditions and doesn’t require much help once established.
Light
A sunny spot is ideal, but the Bishop’s Miter can also tolerate partial shade. However, keep in mind that it will grow slower and less vigorously if exposed to too much direct sunlight.
Soil
Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum grows well in a cactus mix or regular potting soil. However, it’s essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and doesn’t retain moisture.
Slightly alkaline soils are preferred, but completely neutral soils can work, too, as long as they are fast-draining.
Water
Bishop’s Miter requires little to no water once it is established. In fact, overwatering can cause root rot and other issues that kill the plant.
Water once in a while during the summer months if your area experiences long periods of drought or if you notice signs of wilting; otherwise, don’t worry about it.
Temperature and Humidity
Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum is a cactus species that prefer dry conditions and cool nights. The ideal temperature range for the plant is 60 to 70 Fahrenheit, with night temperatures of 50 to 55 Fahrenheit.
If your home is cooler than this, you can move your cactus into a room that stays warmer at night.
Fertilizer
Bishop’s Miter is not a heavy feeder but will benefit from fertilization. You can use a balanced fertilizer at half strength once per month or apply compost tea or fish emulsion every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum is already a compact plant and doesn’t need additional pruning. Therefore, any attempt to do so will only result in negative consequences.
However, you can remove any spent flowers after the season passes.
Potting and Repotting Bishop’s Miter
Spring or summer is the best time to repot your bishop’s miter cactus. Bishop’s miters are slow-growing plants and don’t need to be repotted very often. It’s best to wait until the cactus has outgrown its container before repotting it.
Only repot when needed, as this plant likes to be slightly potbound.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Gently remove the plant from its pot. Remove any dead roots if they are present.
- Be careful not to damage the roots as they are delicate and break easily.
- Place the bishop’s Miter in its new container. Add a layer of soil, covering the roots but not burying them.
- Pat down the potting medium around the rootball, so the plant is secure in its new home.
- Water lightly and resume your regular care routine.
Propagating Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum by Seeds (Step-by-Step)
Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum can be propagated by seed. You can find seeds online or at a local nursery that carries cacti and succulents.
The seeds should be planted in an appropriate medium (such as cactus soil) when they are ready to germinate, which is after 3-6 weeks.
- Place the seeds on top of a moistened paper towel.
- Cover with plastic wrap and seal in a zip-lock bag or another plastic covering.
- Place in indirect sunlight at room temperature (70 degrees F).
- After a few weeks, you should see some green sprouts emerging from the soil.
- Transplant the seedlings into a larger pot with well-draining soil and similar conditions.
Blooms
Blooms may not appear for a few years (around 6), but once they do, you will get a beautiful display of flowers.
The blooms are typically pale yellow and daisy-like and can last for several months before fading away.
They emerge from the apex of the plant’s stem and are quite large in comparison to the size of the entire cactus.
Toxicity
Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum is non-toxic. It doesn’t even have spines or any sharp protrusions that can injure anyone. Therefore, it is considered safe to be kept around pets and children.
NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.
Common Pests
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are a common pest that infests this cactus. They are small, white, and have a powdery appearance. They usually feed on the stem of your plant by sucking out its juices, which causes damage to the plant’s tissue and can lead to death if left untreated. If you notice these bugs on your cactus, remove them immediately by rubbing the affected area with neem oil.
Scale Insects
Although rare, scale insects can also become a problem for these cacti. Small and hard-shelled, these pests usually stick themselves onto any available surface and begin sucking the sap out. They can be treated with an application of insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are another common problem for cacti. These pests are tiny and hard to spot, but they leave behind small webs when they feed on your plant. If you notice a bunch of webs on the surface of your cactus, it’s likely infested with spider mites. Hose them down with water to get rid of them.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy