The largest family of cactus plants is called Mammillaria. There are over 400 species of this easy-care cactus variety. The growth forms are very different, and the flowers can also have very different colors.
What species of Mammillaria are there?
Mammillaria species are the largest genus of the cactus family and include over 400 different varieties. They vary in growth habit, height and flower colors, but all appear in a wreath shape. Well-known species are Mammillaria spinosissima, Mammillaria bocasana and Mammillaria elongata.
Mammillaria are the largest genus of the cactus family
No other cactus species has as many representatives as the Mammillaria. Over 400 species are known worldwide. They differ in growth habit, height and color of the flowers. Most variations remain rather small at ten centimeters high.
Many varieties form the well-known spherical bodies. But there are also species that develop columnar shoots.
In addition to the flowers, the Mammillaria have very different thorns. When caring for this type of cactus, be careful not to injure yourself.
Known species of Mammillaria
The most famous species of this cactus family include:
- Mammillaria spinosissima
- Mammillaria bocasana
- Mammillaria elongata
- Mammillaria gracilis
- Mammillaria vetula
- Mammillaria senilis
- Mammillaria luethyi
The flowers appear in a wreath shape
A special feature of Mammillaria are the flowers, which do not appear in the middle, but in a wreath shape. They are tube-, wheel- or bell-shaped. Some varieties have very large flowers.
The flower colors vary from white to yellow and pink to red. There are also varieties with multicolored flowers.
Mammillaria is usually not hardy
Most Mammillaria species cannot tolerate subzero temperatures. They don't even appreciate it when temperatures drop below ten degrees. Only very few varieties can cope with cold temperatures and can be planted in the garden.
In order for the Mammillaria to develop flowers, it needs a break in winter. During this time it is kept a little cooler. Temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees are ideal.
Mammillaria likes direct sunlight and can therefore also be grown in the south window. They then develop particularly large flowers and very decorative thorns. Only the green varieties don't like direct midday sun.
Put outside in summer
In summer, Mammillaria appreciates temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees. She likes it better outside than in the room.
Tip
Mammillaria cacti come from the American area. Most species occur naturally in Mexico, but there are also larger occurrences in Colombia.
