Many indoor plant lovers are attracted to cacti. Mammillaria occupy a place of honor in their huge family. Cacti are unpretentious, although they rarely delight with their flowering, but when they bloom, it is impossible to take your eyes off this beauty.
For the first time this plant was described in the literature in the middle of the 18th century. Later, when Mammillaria gained wide popularity, experienced breeders became interested in it and developed new species.
Mammillaria is most often found in arid climates, but it thrives in different countries - in Mexico, in the West Indies, in Colombia, in Guatemala, in the USA.
Description of mammillaria
In shape, this type of cacti can be round, disc-shaped, spherical and oblong. Instead of the usual longitudinal ribs, these plants have their own distinctive feature - they are tubercles. With their help, the cactus retains moisture for a long time and repels the sun's rays at the right times. Thick and fleshy roots are another significant difference from other plants.
This type of cactus seems to consist of two parts: one of them is pubescent, and the second consists of sharp thorns. On the first part, rarely, but beautiful flowers of red, white or yellow shades appear. Flowers of different shapes are usually small in size (no more than 7 millimeters). At the end of flowering, fruits and seeds are formed on the cacti.
Mammillaria attracts with its features:
- The plant is easy to care for.
- It has two types of thorns.
- Several types of stem.
- Flowering attracts with color and different forms of flowers.
Home care for mammillaria
Location and lighting
Mammillaria is a light-loving plant, but long exposure to direct sunlight can be harmful. Better if there is a little shading. In summer, an ordinary balcony can become such an auspicious place.
In the room, you need to choose a window that faces the east or west side. On such a windowsill there will be a sufficient amount of light for the plant and a minimum of danger from the rays of the sun.
Temperature
For this indoor plant mammillaria, you need to create favorable temperature conditions for the flowering process. In summer, it will bloom at a temperature of 20 to 23 degrees. In winter, it should not be more than 12 degrees Celsius. At such temperatures, the cactus will feel comfortable and will delight you with its unusual flowers.
Watering rules
Mammillaria requires a minimum of moisture. In winter, the cactus can be left without watering at all for a long time. Even one watering per month will be enough. In winter, the plant begins a dormant period. At this time, it is generally better not to disturb him. Even moving to another place in winter is not recommended.
The plant reacts poorly to waterlogging of the soil. In summer, the plant needs to be watered 3-4 times a month. In the fall, watering is reduced to 2 times a month.Although this type of cactus is drought-resistant, it loves spraying, especially in hot summer weather.
The soil
For planting mammillaria without any problems today, you can purchase a special soil mixture for cacti. For self-preparation, you will need several components: three types of soil (peat, turf and leaf one in one part), as well as coarse river sand and brick crushed into crumbs (both in half a part).
Top dressing and fertilizers
From mid-spring to mid-autumn, Mammillaria needs additional feeding. In winter, such procedures are not carried out. Fertilizers are applied once a month. This promotes favorable growth and development of the plant.
Transfer
Adult mammillaria are transplanted every three years, and young plants can be transplanted every year. Flower pots should not be deep, but wide, because the plant has many side shoots. The first layer in the pot must be the drainage layer, and then the potting soil for the cacti. The soil should allow air and water to pass well. It is better to transplant in early spring.
Reproduction of mammillaria
Mammillaria reproduces in two ways: by seeds and side shoots.
Reproduction by side shoots
Lateral shoots or babies are very carefully separated from an adult cactus so as not to damage it. Before planting in a separate flower pot, each young shoot needs to be dried a little for several days. It is better to plant children in small containers.
Special cactus soil in equal parts is mixed with coarse river sand and cactus seeds are sown on it. On top of them, it is necessary to crush them with a thin layer of sand, water moderately and put in a warm (about 20 degrees Celsius) place without direct sunlight. When shoots appear, flower boxes are rearranged to another, more illuminated room.
Seed propagation
Reproduction by children is more convenient and effective, but experienced florists recommend growing mammillaria from seeds in order to preserve the plant.
Difficulties in growing mammillaria
- The most dangerous insect is the red mite. He prefers prickly cactus species. The pest dies from the actellik solution.
- The plant prefers underfilling rather than overflowing.
- With a lack of light, cacti begin to stretch strongly and lengthen towards the light source. In this case, the appearance of the plant deteriorates greatly.
- The soil should always be loose, and river sand and brick chips must be present in its composition.
Types and varieties of mammillaria with photos and names
Mammillaria Bauma - this type of cactus is distinguished by its rounded shape, light spines and beautiful small yellow flowers.
Mammillaria Blossfeld - has a rounded stem, pubescent areoles, two-color flowers (white-pink).
Mammillaria Carmen - a cactus with a pubescent stem and cream-colored thorns. Small round delicate flowers give the plant solemnity.
Mammillaria Wilda - the plant is covered with thorns of a golden hue, blooms with pale yellow flowers.
Mammillaria Bokasana - the cactus has an elongated shape, is distinguished by white flowers and pink fruits.
Mammillaria Parkinson's - this type of cactus has a high stem in the shape of a ball, green, but with a bluish tinge; beautiful bright yellow flowers and a stem covered with light spines.
Mammillaria Zeilman - the cactus is distinguished by pink and purple flowers arranged in a circle.
Almost all species of mammillaria are spherical and have small flowers. Some cacti have flowers of only one color, and some have two (the second color is in the form of a small strip). These plants differ significantly from each other - the color of the stem and thorns. A common feature is an inflorescence, inside of which there are a lot of stamens.
