It is cylindrical in shape, with small protrusions from which an erect dark spine and a rosette of small yellowish spines form, forming a net.
It blooms in spring and its flowers are small and yellowish, followed by reddish berries.
Some species of the genus produce flowers in pink, such as Mammilaria guelzowiana.
It can be grown almost throughout the country, being more sensitive to cold winters sites.
- Botanical Name: Mammillaria elongata DC.
- Popular Names: Lady's Toes
- Family: Angiospermae - Family Ruscaceae
- Subfamily: Cactoideae
- Genus: Mammillaria
- Origin: Mexico
Cultivation Mode:
It is a small cactus, much sought after by collectors.
It can be grown indoors, near windows where it can receive sunlight for a few hours.
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The cultivation pot may be plastic used in plant production or ceramics.
The substrate used should be a mixture of earthworm humus, coarse-grained sand and well-cured animal manure at a ratio of 3: 2: 1/2.
If used indoors, use only NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer, using a teaspoon of the size that accompanies the granulate to a medium-sized bowl.
Mix everything well.
Line the bottom of the vase with a piece of geomanta and place damp sand.
Then the substrate, wrap the seedling lump and complete with the rest of the substrate watering well.
- CACTUS WATER
Cactus watering should be abundant and widely spaced.
Avoid watering the plant, put only on the substrate.
In winter, leave the water to use to stand at the same temperature as the environment where the plant is, avoiding to cause a thermal shock.
Water on the body of cacti usually causes brownish spots, a symptom of tissue necrosis.
- FAMILY REPLACEMENT FERTILIZER
Replacement fertilization may be done with granular NPK fertilizer formulation 4-14-8 in winter.
Dissolve 1 tbsp in water, water the substrate that should be moist from watering the day before.
Early watering provides the formation of a moist bulb around the roots.
Thus, when the next day the dissolved fertilizer will penetrate the substrate more easily, reaching the roots of the plants.
How to Propagate Mammillaria elongata “Ladyfinger Cactus”
Cuttings:
Ladyfinger Cactus can be propagated from cuttings. Use care when taking a cutting. Follow the directions in this post to learn how to handle a cactus safely.
To remove a clump for propagation, you will need nitrile dipped gloves, silicone tongs, and a sharp knife.
Using the tongs, gently pull one of the cylindrical stems away from the main cluster. If you are not able to break it off without pulling up the rest of the plant, use the knife to cut through the stem.
Allow the end of the stem to callous over for several days before placing in well-draining soil.
Where to Plant
Mammillaria elongata “Ladyfinger Cactus” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20 ° F (-6.7 ° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.
READ HERE: How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria
