Mammillaria comes in many very different forms. The mostly spherical, occasionally columnar cacti require little care and are therefore well suited for beginners. How to properly care for Mammillaria.
How do I properly care for a Mammillaria?
To properly care for Mammillaria, you should water from below, use lime-free water and let the substrate dry out. Water more often in summer, less in winter. Use cactus fertilizer monthly from April to August and repot in spring if necessary.
What should you consider when watering Mammillaria?
- Watering Mammillaria from below
- water more frequently in summer
- Allow the substrate to dry out occasionally
- use lime-free water
It is best to always water Mammillaria from below. Place the pot in a saucer that you fill with low-lime water. If there is still water in the container after ten minutes, pour it out.
In summer, water Mammillaria more often, but only when the substrate is almost dry. In winter the amount of watering is greatly reduced. The root ball can dry out completely.
Is the Mammillaria fertilized?
From April to August, fertilize Mammillaria with a cactus fertilizer. It is enough if you give fertilizer once a month.
You must not fertilize freshly purchased plants or cacti that have just been repotted in the first few months.
Are you allowed to prune Mammillaria?
No, Mammillaria is not cut. Of course you can remove dead shoots.
When is it time to repot?
In spring you should check whether the cactus needs a larger pot. Take it out of the container and shake off the old substrate immediately.
If the current pot is still big enough, fill in some fresh soil.
So that you don't injure yourself on the thorns, wrap a terry cloth towel around the Mammillaria.
What diseases and pests occur?
When waterlogged, root rot occurs very quickly. Like all cactus species, Mammillaria is often affected by mealybugs and mealybugs. Combat an infestation as quickly as possible using suitable products from garden retailers. Do not hold the cactus under water to rinse off the pests!
How to care for Mammillaria in winter?
So that the Mammillaria develops flowers, keep it cooler in winter. Temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees are ideal. The cactus cannot tolerate sub-zero temperatures.
In winter there is very little watering and no fertilization.
Tip
Mammillaria cacti are part of the largest cactus family with over 400 species. The flowering period begins in spring and lasts until early summer. The thorns are also very decorative.
