Mammillaria rhodantha is a small cactus usually ranging from 15–30(-40) cm in height and up 8-10(13) cm in diameter. The cactus usually grows in small clumps or can be solitary. The stem is a short glabrous column that is covered with spikes. The entire plant body is covered with tubercles. The tubercles are conical in nature. It is from these tubercles that the spines arise. Usually there are 15 to 18 spines 3 to 7 mm (0.12–0.28 in) in length coming from each tubercle. It has spikes that grow from the entire body. The bottom half of the cactus has spines that are white or gray and appear to be dying. The flowers are Deep-pink to a purple colour, 20-23 mm long and 15-18 mm in diameter, stigmas usually purple. The species flowers for very long periods of time. It starts blooming in the spring and continues to bloom until autumn.
How to Grow and Care
The cactus grows rapidly and produces small round offsets, which cluster around the parent plant. Mammilaria powder puffs will produce small white or red flowers depending on the cultivar grown. The body of the cactus is bluish green, stocky and made up of short stems that hug the ground.
The entire plant is covered in silky white hairs that cover the red or yellow curved spines that also coat the entire cactus. The effect is similar to a powder puff but resist the urge to try it or risk damage from those sharp spines!
Light: Mammillaria species appreciate strong light, but many species dislike more than four hours of direct summer sunlight. Provide bright, even light for the best results.
Water: Allow the soil mix to become nearly dry between waterings, but then water thoroughly. Immaculate drainage is essential, so never let the pots sit in water. Suspend watering in the winter, but mist occasionally.
Soil: A rich, fast-draining cactus mix is ideal.
Fertilizer: During the growing season, fertilize with a cacti fertilizer mix. Suspend feeding during the dormant winter period.
Propagation
Mammillaria cacti can be propagated easily from offsets, which readily form in clusters around the base of the mother plant. To propagate, carefully remove the offset and allow the cut to dry on a paper towel for a few days. Depending on the size of the cut area, a callous will form over the cut surface.
Once the callous has formed, place the new plant in a pot with a potting soil mixture and keep in a warm place until new roots emerge. Once the plant is established, repot it into a regular container.
- Learn more at TIPS: HOW TO GROW AND CARE MAMMILLARIA
- Scientific name: Mammillaria rhodantha Link & Otto
- Common Names: Rainbow pincushion
- Synonyms: Mammillaria droegeana, Mammillaria fuscata, Mammillaria rhodantha var. droegeana, Mammillaria calacantha, Mammillaria pringlei, Mammillaria bonavitii, Cactus rhodanthus, Neomammillaria rhodantha
- Family: Cactaceae
- Subfamily: Cactoideae
- Species: M. rhodantha
- Genus: Mammillaria
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| source pic: cactuslimon.net , |
How to Grow and Care
The cactus grows rapidly and produces small round offsets, which cluster around the parent plant. Mammilaria powder puffs will produce small white or red flowers depending on the cultivar grown. The body of the cactus is bluish green, stocky and made up of short stems that hug the ground.
The entire plant is covered in silky white hairs that cover the red or yellow curved spines that also coat the entire cactus. The effect is similar to a powder puff but resist the urge to try it or risk damage from those sharp spines!
Light: Mammillaria species appreciate strong light, but many species dislike more than four hours of direct summer sunlight. Provide bright, even light for the best results.
Water: Allow the soil mix to become nearly dry between waterings, but then water thoroughly. Immaculate drainage is essential, so never let the pots sit in water. Suspend watering in the winter, but mist occasionally.
Soil: A rich, fast-draining cactus mix is ideal.
Fertilizer: During the growing season, fertilize with a cacti fertilizer mix. Suspend feeding during the dormant winter period.
Propagation
Mammillaria cacti can be propagated easily from offsets, which readily form in clusters around the base of the mother plant. To propagate, carefully remove the offset and allow the cut to dry on a paper towel for a few days. Depending on the size of the cut area, a callous will form over the cut surface.
Once the callous has formed, place the new plant in a pot with a potting soil mixture and keep in a warm place until new roots emerge. Once the plant is established, repot it into a regular container.
- Learn more at TIPS: HOW TO GROW AND CARE MAMMILLARIA
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| source pic: wikidata.org |
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