Scientific Name:

Astrophytum capricorne

Common name:

Goat's Horn, Goat's Horn Cactus, Bishop's Cap, Bishop's Hat

Family:

Cactaceae

Sub-Family:

Cactoideae

Tribe:

Cacteae

Genus:

Astrophytum

Origin:

Mexico

Hardiness Zone:

13b

9a

ABout the PLant

Astrophytum capricorne, also known as the Bishop's Cap Cactus, is a unique and beautiful succulent native to Mexico. It is a small cactus, typically growing no more than 10 inches in height. Its distinctive shape resembles that of a bishop's miter or cap, hence its common name. The stem is composed of many ribs that are covered with white wool and small spines. The flowers of Astrophytum capricorne are yellowish-white in color and bloom during the summer months. They appear at the top of the plant and have an open star-like shape with five petals. The flowers are followed by small red fruits which contain black seeds. The leaves of Astrophytum capricorne are oval-shaped and covered with tiny white hairs which give them a silvery appearance. They grow up to 1 inch long and can be either smooth or wavy depending on the variety. Astrophytum capricorne requires very little care to thrive; it prefers bright light but can tolerate some shade, moderate watering during its active growth period (spring through fall), and well-draining soil. During its dormant period (winter) it should be kept dryer than usual to prevent rot from overwatering. This unique succulent has been cultivated for centuries by people in Mexico for both ornamental purposes as well as for food production due to its edible fruits. Today, Astrophytum capricorne is widely available in nurseries around the world and makes an excellent addition to any succulent collection!

The Astrophytum capricorne succulent is best suited for bright indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sun, but too much will cause it to burn. For best results, place it in a spot that gets a few hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun and the rest of the day should be in bright indirect light. Medium light is also suitable, however low light will not provide enough energy for the plant to thrive.

Astrophytum capricorne succulents prefer a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. The ideal soil should be slightly sandy, with a mix of organic matter such as compost or peat moss to help retain moisture. Additionally, it's important to ensure the soil is not too wet, as this can cause root rot in the plant.

The Astrophytum capricorne succulent is a low-maintenance plant that prefers to be watered infrequently. It's best to wait until the soil has dried out completely before watering again. During the growing season, you should water it once every two weeks, and during the winter months, you can reduce watering to once a month. Make sure not to overwater this succulent as it can cause root rot.

The ideal humidity conditions for the Astrophytum capricorne succulent are relatively low. It prefers a dry climate, so you should aim to keep the humidity levels between 30-50%. This succulent is also sensitive to high humidity, so it's important to keep an eye on your environment and make sure it doesn't get too humid.