#4 – Mammillaria spinosissima (Red-Headed Irishman) is very common the world over. The flowers are bright pink, and this species can be counted on to bloom year-round. Interestingly, the spines of true cactus Mammillaria are arranged according to the Fibonacci sequence. Be sure the soil is dry. Only mature Mammillaria blooms, and when they do bloom they display an attractive crown of flowers surrounding the top of the plant. You can fertilize your Mammillaria with a specially formulated cactus fertilizer or a very weak solution of houseplant fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in potassium and phosphorus. Cream-colored flowers emerge early in spring and transition to pink as the season progresses. The only way of being sure you are getting a mature plant is to purchase one that is already in bloom. When cactus roots become waterlogged, they start dying and rotting. These very attractive cacti are hardy, carefree and easy to grow. Caring for Mammillaria Powder Puffs Cacti are one of the easiest plants for the home gardener. Be sure to test spray a small spot on the plant before spraying the entire plant. Spread the roots out to give them room to grow. bocasana, Chilita knebeliana, Chilita haehneliana, Chilita bocasana, Ebnerella haehneliana, Ebnerella bocasana & Ebnerella knebeliana Positive On Feb 16, 2004, albleroy from Wavre/ greenhous +/- 2500 species, IA wrote: When you keep indoor cactus, be sure to set up a sunny location in a room with a south-facing window during the winter time. For gardeners in most zones, only indoor potted Powder Puff Cactus is an option. Even though there are so many species, and a few of them are a bit picky, if you have had good luck with succulents and cactus in the past, you should be able to grow Mammillaria with great ease. #5 – Mammillaria baumii (Golden Pincushion Cactus)is a low-growing, clumping species with dense spines which obscure the stems. #9 – Mammillaria candida (Snowball Pincushion) is a clumping cactus covered with pink-tipped, white spines. It likes lots and lots of sun and very little water. This video shows many of the more rugged varieties of the genus Mammillaria in their natural habitat where the cactus grows and could inspire some great ideas for using Mammillaria in your own desert landscape. If your cutting is going to survive, it will produce a few roots during this time. Its spines are sparse, and its flowers may be either bright yellow or pink. All structured data from the file and property namespaces is available under the Creative Commons CC0 License; all unstructured text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. What Are The Most Popular Mammillaria Varieties? Light & Temperature: Generally speaking, these plants like warm temperatures (50°-85° degrees Fahrenheit) and bright light. Mammillaria knebeliana Boed. Keep well ventilated, as it … Generally speaking, these fruits are very small, and it is hard to gather enough to provide much nutrition. #3 – Mammillaria plumosa (feather cactus) is a low-growing, clumping plant. Cactus need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Repot or transplant infrequently as these plants do well when slightly root bound. Neem oil and pyrethrins are good choices. This rugged plant may grow as a solitary specimen or grouped with others. The … Planted Shack All Rights Reserved - A Preon One Mammillaria bocasana Succulents exhibition in Botanical Garden of Charles University 2016.jpg 2,200 × 2,676; 2.96 MB Mammillaria bocasana var. USDA Hardiness Zone: Mammillaria are generally hardy in USDA zones 8-11; however, this may vary from species to species. Some cacti are sensitive to rubbing alcohol. Rugged outdoor plants require very little care. You won’t find most of the many species offered in nurseries, garden centers, and shops. This cactus is only suitable for outdoor life in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b to 11b. Potting Soil & Transplanting: The pincushion cactus prefers a fairly rich, well-draining cactus mix. Mammillaria Bocasana is an adorable cactus that is covered with soft white hair, which makes it looks like a round cotton ball, hence the cute nickname "Powder Puff Cactus". When you water, the tubercles will expand to allow for increased water storage. Culture can vary a bit for some Mammillaria species due to differences in their native range. This confusion has led to as many as 400 different species being mistakenly identified in the past. #7 – Mammillaria zeilmanniana (Rose Pincushion Cactus)grows in clusters covered with dense, white “hair”. Some have a clumping growth habit, and others are columnar and grow in small groups. Here are just a few representatives of this interesting and abundant genus of cacti. The varieties for sale as houseplants are typically small and grow close to the ground in the wild. Spines are extremely short and close-spaced. Maximum height for this species is 6″, but this is rare. Just remember to place your plants correctly in winter and reduce watering to give them a good rest period. Be careful, though, sharp fish-hook spines are hidden beneath the hair. Mammillaria Cactus Care. Some have long spines, and others have short spines. #5 – Examine your cacti often for signs of scale and mealybugs. If you see just a few, you may be able to remove them easily with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. It is not a good candidate for container planting, but if you try, you must use a mineral based potting medium, and keep the plant completely dry during its winter dormancy. The thin central spines hiding among the white hair are reddish brown and hook-shaped. Some species are quite delicate and suited to a sheltered indoor setting. Neolloydia, Epithelantha and Coryphantha). These include black spots around the base of the plant and mushy flesh. Fred, known also as Mammillaria bocasana f. monstruosa, is a perennial cactus cultivar from the Cactaceae family, named for the guy that discovered it. Remember that a light touch on the fertilizer and the watering can are your most important keys to success with Mammillaria. Taxonomic Serial No. This globe-shaped, small, slow-growing cactus thrives in rocky soil on slopes, hillsides and sand dunes. Grooming is Simple: Keep an eagle-eye out for any signs of rot, and cut it away immediately if you notice it. It can take many years for a pincushion cactus to mature, so you may not see a flowering plant for a very long time. Mammillaria fraileana. Mammillaria (Pincushion or Nipple Cactus) is the genus name of an attractive type of succulent cactus plants native mostly to the southwest United States and Mexico with some having naturalized into the Caribbean. Don’t overfeed your cactus as this will encourage green growth and discourage blooming. ... #8 – Mammillaria bocasana (Snowball or Powder-puff Cactus)is extremely hardy. #2 – Mammillaria backebergiana (Pincushion Cactus, known in Ukraine as Bakerberg Mammillaria) is a columnar cactus. Flowers are pink. You should not need to repot your cactus more than once every couple of years. Remember these cactus plants doesn’t just tolerate drought, they need it. Gnats will fly in to get the ACV and won’t be able to get out, so they’ll drown in the ACV. How to Clean Glass Shower Doors With Hard Water Stains? This cactus grows in clumps and is covered with dense, soft-looking white “hair”. It is very similar to Mammillaria gigantea. This setting provides the most sunlight. multilanata (70378).jpg 2,716 × 1,992; 3.87 MB Mammillaria bocasana, the Powder-puff Cactus (9330261096).jpg 800 × 651; 235 KB This plant has soft, white spines with a central, curved spine. #12 – Mammillaria matudae (Crawling Log or Giant Snake) has a mounding growth habit that manifests as long, snaking stems. #5 – Mammillaria karwinskiana (Owl Eyes or Royal Cross)is a solitary specimen plant that produces offsets in a slow and sporadic manner. For images of even more Mammillaria species, along with some good inspiration for container planting, view this Mexican video en Espanol! Mammillaria bocasana var. You should also realize that desert cactus kept indoors may never bloom because they simply cannot get enough light. Healthy plants are better able to resist disease and pests. We'll respect your privacy and unsubscribe at any time. All grow in a crown-like formation surrounding the top of the plant. Cultivation: Mammillaria bocasana "Fred" grows well on its own roots. #1 – Mammillaria tetrancistra (common Fishhook cactus) is found in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts in the northern part of Mexico and in the southwestern US. $3.90 $3.90. Avoid wetting the body or stem of the cactus and do not wet the leaves in … In addition to problems caused by overwatering, common houseplant pests are sometimes problematic. You should only water about once a month, and then quite sparingly. Some types have pink flowers, and others have light yellow flowers. A mini cactus garden is a good way to display several different varieties of Mammillaria indoors! The plant tends to get top-heavy and may fall over if it is not braced. In order to help prevent overwatering issues, a well-draining soil is essential for this plant. Mammillaria bocasana – Powder Puff Cactus Mammillaria crucigera – Owl Eye Cactus Lorecentral.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by … In this article, we discuss the care and uses of this interesting plant and share advice on selecting the right Mammillaria pincushion cactus of the many species available for your home, greenhouse, patio, yard, garden or windswept desert property. Care instructions for this genus of cacti vary greatly depending upon the species you select and how you choose to use this succulent plant. Watering & Feeding should be sparse year round. Many of the individual Mammillaria species look so much alike as to be almost indistinguishable. Keep it in a warm, sheltered place with bright, indirect sunlight until it takes root. How Do You Tell If You’re Overwatering Mammillaria Cactus? Protect from frosts and freezes . Mammillaria bocasana can be propagated from seed. When this starts to happen, it may be too late to save the plant. The plant you receive will look very similar to these pictures. To do this, you’ll need a small jar with a lid. As it grows, it offsets, creating large mounds. Size & Growth vary greatly depending upon the species. Best Uses For Mammillaria Cactus Indoors or Outdoors. Some are rugged, low growing and fast-spreading and make marvelous additions to rock gardens and other challenging settings. splendens: ... Care must be taken with watering as they tends to become swollen and untidy in growth habit if given too much water and shade. The flesh becomes discolored and begins to soften. Flowers are small and nondescript. Now botanists are confident that the genus contains around 300 species. It typically grows to about 6 inches (15 cm) tall and bears soft pink flowers. After the first summer rain, the pincushion cactus open and the flowers last for about seven days. They produce offsets slowly. Blot excess water from the roots and allow them to air dry for a few hours before continuing with repotting or transplanting. Its spines are yellow or yellowish/brown. It requires regular watering during the summer season with minimal or no water in the winters. Its flowers are pink. Mammillaria kunzeana Boed. #14 – Mammillaria rhodantha (Rainbow Pincushion)is a very popular, easy-to-find, easy-to-grow cactus. How Long Does It Take Mammillaria To Mature? Be sure to empty the water that runs into the saucer, succulents do not like to sit in water. What Are Some Common Pests & Problems Affecting Mammillaria? The plant is shipped in its pot to prevent any damage to the roots). Among these are: It can be very hard to get these pests under control once they are established because they are very small and hide quite effectively. Caring for Mammillaria is nearly as simple as providing lots of light and forgetting to water. It thrives in hot, dry sunny desert settings. #11 – Mammillaria nivosa (Woolly Nipple Cactus) is a mat-forming cactus that can produce deceptively soft looking, wooly white mats a little over a foot wide. During the spring, summer and early fall, water thoroughly when the soil is almost dry. Provide a half-strength feeding of a balanced cactus fertilizer at the beginning of spring and toward mid-summer. Outside full sun or afternoon shade is best for a healthy growth and should be kept in a bright spot, if inside. The flowers of this species are quite small and may be white, yellow or pink. It is a globe-shaped plant with interesting deep green/maroon flesh. Then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Namely, it likes warmer temperatures, needs very little water, and likes full sun. Keep well ventilated , as it is prone to root rot . Most problems with cactus plants grown as houseplants involve fungal or bacterial diseases that are caused by excessive watering. The various pincushion cactus species are native to habitats ranging from low desert to both cold and tropical forest settings. When a callus has formed, you can put the pup into its own pot. Cactus poaching is often illegal and leads to species extinction, which is a big problem. It forms dense mounds that can cover quite a bit of ground with close-set, white, feathery spines. #13 – Mammillaria longimamma (Nipple Cactus, Finger Mound, Peyotillo)is unusual looking and quite popular with its “long nipples” (longimamma). Watering Needs Indoors: Instead of giving your succulents gradual sips of water throughout the week, give them a good soaking, to the point where water runs out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If your cactus is showing signs of rot around the roots, you must remove it from its pot and use a sharp, sterilized blade to cut away the rotten parts. Succulents require little watering, but don't like to sit in wet soil. #13 – Mammillaria dioica (Strawberry Cactus, Strawberry Pincushion, California Fishhook) grows naturally in Baja and northwestern Mexico. This very small cactus may grow individually or in a grouping of small stems. #6 – You can spray your cacti occasionally with a diluted rubbing alcohol solution. Healthy, happy Mammillaria may bloom several times during the growing season, always following a rain. Some of these pests have protective coatings that make it difficult to reach the actual insect with a pesticide or natural treatment. When you repot your pincushion cactus, you can use a prepared cactus/succulent potting soil, or make up your own cactus mix using a combination of one part potting mix; one part coarse builder’s sand and one part loam. Remember that an overwatered cactus may look good on the top (for now) but bad things are happening underground. The cactus has white spines, soft wool and deep magenta flowers that last for an extended period of time. Unlike many other cacti, which use their ribs as storage devices, the Mammillaria feature raised tubercles, from which spines emerge. Mammillaria fraileana is a slow-growing cactus that eventually forms a colony of plants covered in small brown spines. Giving your plant an outdoor vacation in direct sunlight is a good idea. When you view the pincushion cactus plant from above, you should notice that it has a very organized and orderly appearance. 11 – Mammillaria decipiens ( Bird ’ s nest appearance arranged according to the USDA plant Profile Pages for specific. Water about once a month, and others have short, firm “ nipples ” with an aureole of white! 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