Mammilloydia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Mammilloydia is a small but very attractive species. The stems are green, spherical, with age they can stretch and become cylindrical, up to 15 cm in diameter. The spines are light and cover the plant abundantly. The flowers appear in spring or summer at the top of the stem and form a crown, pink or white. 

Height. 15 - 30 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, a temperature range from 18 to 24 ° C is suitable; in the winter months, coolness is required - take the cactus into a room with a temperature of about 10 ° C. If the plant is kept in dry soil, it can tolerate short frosts down to -5 ° C. 

Lighting

A brightly lit location with access to direct sunlight in the morning and evening and shade on summer days. In autumn and winter, maximum possible lighting. 

Care

Representatives of the species have an attractive, bureaucratic appearance and are distinguished by their very modest size. When grown at home, they will prefer oblivion rather than careful care. They will appreciate being in the fresh air in the warm season, if they are protected from heavy rain.

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 6.5. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents.

Feeding

During the growing season, they are fed monthly with fertilizers for cacti with a high content of potassium and phosphorus. During the dormant period, fertilizing is not carried out. 

Purpose

Mammilloydia is a spectacular small cactus that resembles a snowball.

Flowering time

End of spring - summer. 

Air humidity

It tolerates dry air well and does not need spraying. Move the cactus to a place where there is good air movement.

Soil moisture

Water regularly during the summer, but allow the soil to dry to half depth between waterings. During the winter months, simply keep the soil from drying out completely.

Transfer

Replant in the spring, before flowering, every 2 - 3 years. Select a pot with large drainage holes and stop watering for about 7 days after planting. 

Reproduction

Often propagated by lateral shoots, if any are formed. Dry the cut site for several days before planting. Seeds are sown in spring, seedlings are kept at a temperature of at least 21 °C under a glass or plastic cap, germination occurs quickly - within 1 - 2 weeks.

Pests and diseases

Mammilloydia quickly rot when moisture stagnates at the roots and there is excess moisture in the air.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Mammilloydia has many sharp spines - be careful when working with it.