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Astrophytum myriostigma

Astrophytum myriostigma
Bishop's Mitre

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6
From 39,50 € 4L/5L pot

This plant carries a 30 days recovery warranty

More information

Astrophytum myriostigma or Bishop's Mitre is a small solitary cactus without thorns.  Initially globular, it develops a very graphic star-shaped silhouette, with a green epidermis with white-grey flecks.  It eventually forms a small column and produces pale yellow flowers in summer. Sensitive to cold, it should be cultivated in a pot in the sun, in a gritty soil, unless you live in a region with a very mild climate.
Watering frequency
Low (once a fortnight)
Indoor exposure
Indirect bright light, Direct bright light, Direct sunlight
Benefits and advantages
Pet friendly
Benefits and advantages
Graphics port
Benefits and advantages
Requires little water

Description

Astrophytum myriostigma or Bishop's Mitre is a small solitary, spineless cactus which is initially globular and forms a very graphic star-shaped silhouette,  with a green epidermis with white-grey flecks.  It actually has a single stem with about 5 to 9 very wide and thick ribs, regularly arranged in the shape of a bishop's mitre. After 10 years, its stem eventually rises to a maximum height of 50 cm (20in). After 6 years of age, it also produces beautiful summer flowers, composed of large pale yellow waxy blooms that open in groups at the top of its stem.  It is a frost-sensitive plant that thrives in drought conditions, full sun, and heat, found only in Mediterranean rock gardens but it can also be easily grown in pots that are stored indoors at the first signs of autumn frost.

 

Astrophytum myriostigma belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is widely distributed in the centre of the Chihuahua desert in central-northern Mexico and on the high plateaus up to 2,500 m (8ft) altitude. It is a persistent perennial without spines, and its thick and fleshy above-ground part allows it to withstand extreme droughts. In its native habitat, it can reach a height of 1 m (3ft) with a width of 20 cm (8in).

Astrophytum myriostigma has a rather slow growth and will only reach a maximum width of 15 cm (6in) and a height of 50 cm (20in) in our regions. It forms a solitary stem surrounded by 5 to 9 very pronounced and spineless ribs, giving it a wide and bulbous habit resembling a bishop's mitre. After a decade, its habit will become columnar. Its epidermis is flecked in white-grey and is slightly felted, giving it a dusted appearance. Flowering takes place in summer, from June to September. It takes the form of pale yellow waxy flowers, 4 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, symmetrical and with numerous petals like wild daisies. They appear in groups at the apex of the cactus.

 

Plant Astrophytum myriostigma in a rock garden or on a well-drained slope if your garden is located by the sea, where frost does not exceed -4°C (24.8°F), along with the Cape Aster, Felicia amelloides, Delosperma, and Portulaca that appreciate the same conditions. Elsewhere, you can plant it in a nice pot, alone or in combination with other succulent plants such as houseleeks, for example.

 

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Aeonium: Planting, Cultivation, and Care
Family sheet
by Alexandra 11 min.
Aeonium: Planting, Cultivation, and Care
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Astrophytum myriostigma in pictures

Astrophytum myriostigma (Flowering) Flowering
Astrophytum myriostigma (Plant habit) Plant habit

Foliage

Foliage colour green
Foliage persistence Evergreen

Plant habit

Growth habit Ball
Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 15 cm
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time June to September
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 6 cm
Fragrance slightly scented

Botanical data

Genus

Astrophytum

Species

myriostigma

Family

Cactaceae

Other common names

Bishop's Mitre

Origin

North America

Product reference151381

Other Astrophytum - Cactus

6
From 39,50 € 4L/5L pot

Location

Place your Astrophytum myriostigma near a well-lit window, ideally facing south or west. Avoid cold draughts and direct heat sources such as radiators. Turn the pot regularly to ensure even growth.

Location

Indoor exposure Indirect bright light, Direct bright light, Direct sunlight
For which room? Office, Lounge, Bedroom, Veranda
Growth habit Ball
Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 15 cm
Growth rate slow
Low temperature tolerance >10°C (temperate greenhouse)
Humidity level Dry (<40%)

Maintenance and care

During the growth period (spring/summer), water by soaking when the substrate is completely dry. During dormancy (autumn/winter), reduce watering to once a month or less. Misting is not recommended for this plant, as excessive moisture can encourage the development of fungal diseases.

Potting advice, substrates and fertilisers

Repot every 2 to 4 years, preferably in spring, just before the resumption of growth. Proceed when the substrate is completely dry. After repotting, do not water immediately; wait about a week to allow the roots to heal and prevent any risk of rot.
Prepare a well-draining substrate by mixing cactus compost with drainage materials such as coarse sand, perlite or pumice. Adding clay pebbles to the bottom of the pot can also improve drainage.
Use a liquid fertiliser for cacti, low in nitrogen (NPK 5-10-5). In spring and summer, apply once a month, diluted to half the recommended dose. Avoid fertilising during the dormancy period in autumn and winter.

Houseplant care

Clean your plant from time to time with a soft brush to remove dust accumulated on its surface.

Disease and pest advice

This plant is robust, but poor watering management or exposure to excessive humidity can make it vulnerable to fungal infections and parasitic attacks. In case of infestation by mealybugs, prepare a solution by mixing a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a litre of warm water. Apply this solution to the plant using a cloth or cotton bud to suffocate the parasites.

Maintenance and care

Watering frequency Low (once a fortnight)
Fogging 1 time a week
Type of soil Draining soil, Cactus potting soil
Pests and diseases Mealybugs, Rots
Susceptibility to diseases Medium
Ease of cultivation Amateur

Planting & care advice

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