Mammillaria ( Mammillaria )

Approximately 150 species of spherical, cylindrical or columnar cacti mostly growing in clusters. Spines grow in a circular, somewhat spiral pattern on conical protrusions. Funnel shaped flowers grow in rings around the top of the globe. Bears oblong to club-shaped berry-like fruit.

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Characteristics

Cultivar: n/a
Family: Cactaceae
Size: Height: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Plant Category: cacti and other succulents,
Plant Characteristics:
Foliage Characteristics:
Flower Characteristics:
Flower Color:
Tolerances: drought,

Requirements

Bloomtime Range: not applicable
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10 to 11
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant
Light Range: Sun to Full Sun
pH Range: Not defined for this plant
Soil Range: Some Sand to Sandy Loam
Water Range: Arid to Semi-Arid

Plant Care

Fertilizing

Light

Conditions : Full Sun

Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.

Watering

Planting

Problems

Diseases : Rhizactonia Root and Stem Rot

Rhizoctonia is a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level. Prevention and Control: First of all, do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem, decrease watering. If a plant is too far gone (all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted), remove it. If your plant is in a container, discard the soil too. Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution. Fungicides can be used, according to label directions. Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use.

Pest : Mealybugs

Small, wingless, dull-white, soft-bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering. They have piercing/sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue. Mealybugs often look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch. They attack a wide range of plants. The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot, then they hang out in colonies and feed. Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop. They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold.

Prevention and Control: Isolate infested plants from those that are not. Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide/chemical recommendation. Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs.

Miscellaneous

Glossary : Cacti and Succulents

Cacti and Succulents are considered to be one of the most specialized groups of plants that exists. Everything about their form, roots and lack of leaves is aimed towards conserving water. Some cacti and succulent roots are shallow, barely beneath the soils surface, others deeply penetrating.