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Bishop's cap

Astrophytum myriostigma

Also called Bishop's hat and Astrophytum

Houseplant · Succulents & cacti

IT HAS NO SPINES AND IT STILL ROTS FASTER THAN ANY OF THEM. Gritty compost, a pot barely bigger than the plant, and water only from below.

Care at a glance

Ease
Medium
Water
Every 21 daysSoak, then bone-dry — wait until the soil is dry right through — lift the pot, it tells you.
Light
Bright, with direct sun
Feed
Every 90 days
Humidity
Low
Hardiness
Indoors, or out in high summer RHS H1B, to 10°C
Size
0.2 m tall · 0.15 m across
Lifecycle
Perennial
Origin
Mexico

Is it safe for pets and people?

PetsNothing recorded against it

No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.

PeopleNot checked yet

Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.

Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-04. Where a source says nothing, we say nothing.

A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

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