Source: Wikimedia Commons
Goat's horn cactus
IntermediateAstrophytum capricorne
A star cactus wrapped in long, twisting brown spines, with white flecks on grey-green skin and large yellow flowers with red centres in summer. The name means 'goat's horn'.
About
Astrophytum capricorne grows in the Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico, from Coahuila into Nuevo León, at roughly 300–1,400 m where annual rainfall is under 200 mm. The globular to oval body has seven to nine prominent ribs and reaches about 50 cm tall and 10 cm wide. Its defining feature is its long, twisting spines, which almost hide the body and gave rise to the name 'goat's horn'. The grey-green skin carries white flecks, more in some forms than others. Large yellow flowers with red centres open in summer. Because it is widespread in the Chihuahuan Desert, the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. As with other star cacti it is raised from cross-pollinated seed and varies greatly. It reached Japan in the early Showa era, and many varieties and forms circulate, including the stout-spined var. crassispinum, the densely white var. niveum and wavy-ribbed forms. It tolerates some cold but should not freeze, and prefers a lean, very free-draining mix. In Japan it is sold mainly by specialist nurseries as named seedling forms.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Goat's horn cactus
The Goat's horn cactus grows to Up to 50 cm tall and 10 cm wide.
Basic Info
Origin
Northern Mexico (Chihuahuan Desert, Coahuila to Nuevo León)
Lifespan
Perennial; slowly becomes oval to short-columnar
Size
Up to 50 cm tall and 10 cm wide
Temperature
5〜35℃
Humidity
30〜50%
Watering & Fertilizer
Light feeder; prefers lean soil
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Grow in a sunny, airy spot out of the rain; good light is needed for well-developed spines.
Watering
A summer grower. From spring to autumn water after the mix dries; keep it dry in winter.
Temperature & Overwintering
It tolerates some cold but must be kept from freezing in winter; a Japanese reference gives about 0°C as its limit.
Soil & Repotting
It prefers a lean, somewhat alkaline, very sharply draining mix; in pots use a cactus mix.
Propagation
Raised from seed; cross-pollination is needed, and seedlings vary in spination and flecking.
Pests & Cautions
It is often sold under variety or form names such as crassispinum or niveum; check the spines and flecking against the name when buying.
Goat's horn cactus FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Goat's horn cactus?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Goat's horn cactus get?
The mature size of Goat's horn cactus is Up to 50 cm tall and 10 cm wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Goat's horn cactus?
Goat's horn cactus: watering & fertilizer — Light feeder; prefers lean soil. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Goat's horn cactus?
The price of Goat's horn cactus varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Astrophytum capricorne (A.Dietr.) Britton & Rose
Synonyms: Astrophytum capricorne, Astrophytum capricorne crassispinum, Astrophytum capricorne crassispinum-nudum, Astrophytum capricorne major, Astrophytum capricorne majus, Astrophytum capricorne minus, Astrophytum capricorne niveum, Astrophytum capricorne sanjuanense
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II (as part of the family-level listing of Cactaceae). International trade requires export permits, but no registration is needed to transfer plants within Japan. It is not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Astrophytum capricorne / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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