If you like succulents with vibrant and unique flowers, the Mammillaria cactus is the right choice for you. It’s easy to maintain, it prefers areas with lots of light and blooms throughout the summer.
What is Mammillaria?
Mammillaria is a cactus species originating from the Mexican desert, where the nights are cool and the days extremely hot. Cactus Mammillaria also appears in the United States of America and is characterized by its small size (not exceeding 15 centimeters) and globular form.
Mammillaria blooms in summer and forms a circular crown of vibrant red. In autumn, these plants also produce fruit-like rosehip.
How to care for Mammillaria?
Temperature
During the day, Mammillaria needs a high temperature between 68 and 86 degrees, and during the night it should not exceed 59 degrees. In winter, it’s advisable that the night temperature to be higher with 5 degrees than in the summer.
Besides, it’s recommended that during summer the cactus to be left outdoors, in the garden or on the balcony, in a place with lots of light. From September to May, Mammillaria must be moved inside and positioned at the eastern or western windows, where it’s protected from cold.
The water
In the cold season the plant shouldn’t be watered at all, and the soil should be completely dry. Since March, however, the plant begins to grow and needs more water. It’s thus advised that Mammillaria to be watered once a week, and on those hot days even daily.
Since late September, it’s advisable to reduce watering so that the plant to go in the latent state.
The light
Cactus Mammillaria needs a lot of light, so the pots are good to be positioned at the windows that offer light throughout the day. In times of drought, however, it’s advisable to move the plant from direct sunlight to avoid wilting.
Fertilization
If the soil offers the nutrients it needs, the plant doesn’t require fertilization. Only if it was replanted in another pot is good to be fertilized once a month.
Image Credits: Cactuspedia
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