Mammillaria have characteristic features of the structure, which distinguishes them from other cacti. So the distinctive feature of this genus are numerous papillae located on the stem of plants. It is from these papillae, not bumps, like other cacti, that spines grow. The flowers develop between the papillae, in the sinuses. It should be noted that the presence of papillae - this is the main and sometimes the only sign that combines different types of cacti into the genus Mammilaria.
Diversity of the Mammilia.
Mammilia elongata (Latin Mammillaria elongata). This plant has a thin elongated stem, thorns characteristic golden color, collected in a rosette, papillae are low. Flowers are small, white in color. This species blooms only in favorable conditions for it. For the formation of berries, there is a need for peripilation.
Mammillaria prickly (Latin Mammillaria spinosissima). Cactus with a massive globular stalk and sharp thin thorns, mostly white in color with a brownish tinge. Between the papillae of the plant there is a characteristic pubescence, creating the illusion of cotton balls. Flowers are bright pink.
Mammillaria Wildii (Mammillaria wildii). A plant with a thick, slightly elongated stem, reaching 5 cm in diameter. The papillae are elongated, rather thin. The spines are golden, have their own peculiarity: the central needle is crocheted. This cactus is characterized by a strong branching, since the children formed do not disappear, but continue to grow on the mother plant. The cactus blossoms with white, medium-sized flowers. For the formation of berries, there is a need for peripilation.
Mammillaria Zeilmanna (Latin Mammillaria zeilmanniana) is characterized by a short stalk of a cylindrical shape and densely spaced bent spines. Flowers have a bright pink coloration, in the spring sometimes white.
Mammillaria is excellent (Latin Mammillaria perbella). This plant has a globose stem, reaching 7 cm in diameter. Spines small, white. Easily forms a lot of children. Flowers are red or pink.
Mammillaria of Ghana (Latin Mammilaria hahniana). Cactus with a cylindrical or spherical stalk, up to 10 cm in diameter. It is a fluffy mammilia, since the stem is covered with numerous white hairs. Flowers are pink. Easily forms a lot of children.
Mammillaria bokasana (Latin Mammillaria bocasana) is characterized by an elongated thick stalk, in diameter 4-5 cm. Papillae are long, thin. A special feature of this species are spines. So the central long spine is hooked, and around it are smaller, smaller, needle-shaped spines and long, white-colored hairy spines. Mammillaria bokasana grows well and blooms (white flowers) in ordinary room conditions, forming many children. Berries are formed only after pereapyleniya.
Mammillaria proliferum (Latin Mammillaria prolifera). This plant has a low thin stalk and two types of spines (needle and hairy). Kraynik spines white, central - golden; they are so tightly wrapped around the stem that it sometimes can not be seen. The flowers are white, not large in size. For the formation of berries in a dusting does not need.
Mammilaria: caring for the plant.
Growing and caring for the flower mammillaria have their own characteristics. Thus, the temperature in summer should not exceed the range of 20-24 ° C, in winter - 7-10 ° C. Lighting should be moderate. In winter, with a dry content, there is a period of rest (at 7-10 ° C). And for pubescent mammillaria, remember that the temperature in winter should not fall below 15 ° C, although higher temperatures are also not desirable. In summer, mammillaria need fresh air, therefore, during this period it is recommended to keep them on the balcony or in the garden.
Shine. Mammilia belong to light-loving plants and are well tolerated by direct sunlight, and they are simply necessary for the cacti of this genus. In winter, plants especially feel the lack of light, so they try to stretch their stems, bending closer to the window, which spoils the appearance of the plant.
Watering. In winter, watering mammillaria is stopped. These plants do not tolerate overmoistening of the soil, especially during the wintering period. Renew the watering in the spring, doing this moderately and carefully. The extent to which it will be abundant from May to July, depends on the weather in the summer. On hot days it is recommended to water abundantly. In August, the watering is gradually reduced, in October they are done rarely and limitedly. Fertilizing watering should be made in summer and spring.
Reproduction. Reproduction of the majority of mammillaries occurs in children, but this method may eventually lead to degeneration of the cactus. The signs of the degeneration of plants are considered to be thinnings of thorns and stems, they are stretched and thinned. Therefore, you should periodically renew the plant from the seeds. Optimum conditions for seed germination is soil temperature of 20-25 ° C and heating.
Humidity. It is believed that all cacti, including mammillaria, are resistant to dry air. However, they are also good for periodic spraying from a fine atomizer in the summer morning or evening, when the sun does not shine on the plant.
Transfer. The transplantation of young plants is carried out annually, the old ones - a year later. Transplant should be in wide, but not deep containers, as there is enough space for rooting the children. Mammillaria prefer loose sandy soil, and presence in the ground of brick crumb is mandatory. Soil composition: 1 share of peat land, 1 share of sod, 1 share of leaf land, 1 share of sand with brick crumb. For adults and old cacti it is recommended to add 2 parts of soddy soil to the substrate. The humus in the soil is not desirable or should be limited to a minimum amount.
Pest control. The main pest of mammilaria is the red tick, which particularly affects the uninfected species. To prevent the settling of the cactus with this parasite, wipe the plant with a brush dampened with alcohol solution. In treatment, it is recommended to use an actinic (0.15% solution).
It should be noted, growing and caring for this plant is so complex that it only becomes possible for experienced cactus. Therefore, when choosing a new cactus in the store, consult with the sellers or the guide how to properly care for the flower.