Dolichothele

  Currently, Dolichothele is included in the genus Mammillaria, but has its own unique appearance, and therefore deserves a separate description.

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Dolichothele is a small and very attractive plant. The stems of the cactus have thin tubercles up to 7 cm high with very long curved spines at the top that completely cover the body. The flowers are 5-6 cm in diameter, bell-shaped, with long petals of yellow, orange or white, greenish on the outside, and emit a weak aroma. This species has a fairly large root system. Sometimes, with age, the shoots form lateral branches at the base.

Height. Up to 15 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The optimal temperature for keeping dolichothele is 22 - 24 ° C, tolerates short frosts down to -5 ° C if it is in sufficiently dry soil. This cactus requires a rest period in winter at a temperature of 8 - 10 ° C and good light for flowering. 

Lighting

Several hours of direct sunlight daily in the morning or evening hours. Light shading during the day is necessary to avoid sunburn. In good light, shoots may acquire a reddish tint, and specimens grown in partial shade have an unhealthy pale green appearance.

Care

A very unpretentious species, due attention should be paid to the frequency of watering and good drainage.

Substrate

Loves very porous mineral substrate for cacti and succulents. Avoid using organic materials to form the soil, such as peat or humus.

Feeding

During the growing season, the soil for dolichotheles is enriched using fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus, and low in nitrogen.

Purpose

A small attractive plant for collectors. 

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

In summer, in hot weather, you can spray in the morning so that the water droplets have time to evaporate during the day. Note that direct sunlight should not fall on wet stems. It is a good idea to ensure good air circulation around the cactus, while avoiding cold drafts. In winter, keep dry.

Soil moisture

Water the dolichothele regularly in the summer, but do not allow the water to stagnate in the pan. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.  During the winter dormant period, reduce watering so much so that the earthen ball does not dry out. 

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out in the spring, every 2 - 3 years.

Reproduction

Seeds sown in spring. Germination occurs within 7 - 14 days at a temperature of 21 - 27 ° C. Cover the crops with a plastic cap or glass to maintain humidity and gradually increase the ventilation time. Place the pots with the crops in partial shade. Cuttings in the spring-summer period, the cutting site must be dried for several days. 

Pests and diseases

The root system can rot if overwatered, in addition, the plant stems can become swollen.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.