Tips For Growing A Healthy Bishop's Cap Cactus

Hello and welcome to Brainy Gardener! in this video I'm going to show you how to grow a healthy Bishop's Cap cactus. This cactus is really easy to care for and is perfect for beginners. I'm going to give you some tips on the best way to water it, fertilize it, and when to transplant it. So stay tuned and I'll show you everything you need to know.
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Tips For Growing A Healthy Bishop's Cap Cactus
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Video Timestamps
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0:00 - Introduction
0:56 - Light and Location
1:14 - Watering
1:50 - Temperature
2:11 - Humidity
2:28 - Fertilization
2:40 - Propagation
3:13 - Potting and Repotting
3:57 - Toxicity and Common Pests
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Summary
The Bishop’s Cap Cactus also known as Bishop’s Hat, Monk’s Hood and Miter Cactus is a beautiful and unusual-looking cactus from Mexico. Its common name refers to its resemblance to a bishop’s miter, a cross-section of this cactus is almost startlingly reminiscent of one of these clergy hats. This plant is quite low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for beginners, and can easily be grown indoors.
1. Light and Location
Bishop’s Hat does best in bright shade but can tolerate full sun. Growth will be the same either way; it’s just the color of the stem might be more vibrant under light shade. Place the plant somewhere with bright shade but protect it from harsh, direct sunlight in the summer.
2. Watering
To maintain a desirable shape for the Bishops Hat, you need to follow a precise watering routine. Beginning from March to October, the watering regimen stays the same. Give the plant little water every week, but check for soil dryness beforehand; you want the potting medium to be as dry as possible before a watering session.
3. Temperature
The ideal temperature for the Bishop’s Cap Cactus is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can manage temperatures from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. If conditions are kept dry, it can even tolerate below-freezing temperatures for brief periods; just don’t let the plant suffer through this kind of cold for too long.
4. Humidity
Monk’s Hood does best in dry conditions. However, it can tolerate some humidity, up to 50%. If the air is too moist, the plant may be susceptible to fungal diseases. Be especially mindful in the winter, as moist conditions in this season can easily cause damage.
5. Fertilization
Fertilize Bishop’s Cap during its growing season, from March to October. A balanced cactus fertilizer will work great, but avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen as this can lead to growth at the expense of the desired shape. Feeding once every two months is plenty.
6. Propagation
The easiest way to propagate is by seeds. They should be surface-sown on a soil mix that drains quickly and kept warm at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Water lightly and wait for germination, which typically takes a couple of weeks. Young plants can then be transplanted into individual pots.
7. Potting and Repotting
Bishop’s Cap is a slow grower and will stay perfectly happy in the same pot for many years. With that being said, you may want to repot your plant every 3 to 5 years or so to refresh the potting mix. When repotting, handle the plant carefully as its roots are delicate. To repot, gently remove the plant from its pot and tease away any loose soil from the roots.
8. Toxicity and Common Pests
Bishop’s Cap is non-toxic to both people and pets. This cactus is susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. These pests can easily mask themselves, so check regularly. If any pests attack the plant, treat them with an appropriate insecticide.
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