Thesepopular houseplantsare called pincushion cacti because of their compact, rounded, spiny appearance.
Specimens grow singly or in clusters, with many developing showy, colorful flowers.
Mammillaria care can vary considerably across the genus.
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However, most types need lots of sun, a well-drained medium, and infrequent watering.
Mammillaria arent known to be toxic, but their spines range from hair-like to super-spikey.
Youll want to keep the pricklier plants away from curious kids and pets.
However, just how much depends on the local temperatures and the specific species.
Generally, a full sun position works well in temperate regions.
Around four to six hours of morning sun is best in these instances.
A south- or east-facing window that receives lots of light is best when growing indoors.
New cacti appreciate gradual acclimation to full sun positions to prevent sunburn.
White pots can help, as they reflect rather than absorb the light.
you might buy ready-madecactus soilor make your own airy mix.
You might need to experiment a little to find the ideal blend for your plants shallow, delicate roots.
Water
Mammillaria, like most cactus species, are very sensitive to overwatering.
Deep, infrequent watering during the growing season is best, allowing the soil to dry out before rewatering.
Watering little and often can result in weak root development.
Temperature and Humidity
Desert environments are the native habitat of many mammillaria species.
Mammillaria do best in temperatures between 70F and 80F during the growing season.
Its best to grow these cacti indoors if you have prolonged freezes in winter.
Applying anNPK formulaof 5-10-5 works well, as the higher phosphorus content helps promote flowering.
Types of Mammillaria
Many Mammillaria species exist, but some are more readily available commercially.
To propagate your Mammillaria using this method, follow the steps below in the spring or summer.
Potting and Repotting Mammillaria
Repotting your mammillaria isnt something youll have to do often.
These cacti are compact and slow-growing.
However, you might have to move your plant to a larger pot every few years.
Its best to do this in the late winter or early spring.
Pick a pot thats around 2 inches wider in diameter than the original one, with ample drainage holes.
Spraying with a copper fungicide can also sometimes help prevent the disease from spreading.
Stems Turning Yellow
If your mammillariacactus is turning yellow, its most commonly a sign of overwatering.
Especially if the base is brown and the upper stems are yellow.
Too much intense sunlight can also cause hard brown scarring.
Move your plant to a spot where it receives respite from the scorching afternoon sun.
Spindly Stems
Mammillaria tend to be compact and globe or cylindrically shaped.
It shows up when the plant is stretching to reach any available light.
To prevent this, ensure your plant is in a position where it has access to sufficient bright light.
Fertilizing your mammillaria and providing sufficient water and sun all help it to bloom.
Mammillaria typically start to bloom in their second season and often bloom twice during the winter months.
However, timings and flowering frequency vary depending on the species and the growing conditions.
The small, funnel-shaped flowers form a ring around the top of the stem.
Texas Plant Disease Handbook.
