The subtleties and secrets of caring for a mammillaria cactus at home
Mammillaria is a cactus variety that has gained wide popularity among flower growers due to its attractive appearance, original shape and lush, bright flowers. Caring for a mammillaria cactus at home is very simple. Subject to a few rules, a novice florist will be able to grow a luxurious flowering plant, which will be a good addition to the interior.
General description of mammillaria
The main features of mammillaria:
- Most of the cacti of this variety are cylindrical or round in shape and compact in size.
- Plant height does not exceed 18-20 cm, width reaches 35-40 cm.
- Mamillaria are characterized by strong pubescence.
- On the surface of the cactus are small papillae, called mamilla or tubercles, from which small bundles of spines or hairs are formed. These papillae are arranged in parallel, spiral-directed rows.
- The shape, color and arrangement of flowers depend on the type of cactus. In most species, they are located at the top of the stem, in a circle. The color is most often snow-white, coffee yellow or red. The size of the inflorescences reaches 3-5 cm.
- When mamillaria blooms depends on its variety. Most often, flowering begins in early spring, in March and lasts up to 6-8 months. Flower buds can only bloom in bright light, so they need extra lighting in the spring.
Most varieties of Mamillaria are small and spherical. Over time, it can become cylindrical or ellipsoidal.
Flattened and flat varieties of cactus are much less common, but they are less popular among flower growers, as they are more demanding for home care.
Caring for a mammillaria cactus at home
Compliance with the basic rules of caring for the mamillaria cactus at home does not require much time from the grower. This unpretentious plant can develop and bloom in almost any conditions.
Some varieties of mamillaria are quite demanding in the choice of lighting and place for cultivation, they need additional feeding and watering.
Site selection and lighting
for a mammillaria cactus at home after purchase, it begins with preparing a place for growing a plant. Despite its simplicity in care, this cactus "loves" bright sunlight. The plant pot is best placed on a windowsill on the south side.
With a lack of sunlight, the plant begins to deform and lose its shape. In the winter season, the cactus needs additional lighting - it is best to place it under phytolamp.
Mammillaria should not be in direct sunlight all day, as this will cause the cactus to shrink. The succulent should be in shade for at least half a day.
Soil preparation
For growing cacti of the Mamillaria variety, ready-made store substrates are used, intended for growing cacti and succulents. The soil for the plant must be porous, moisture and air permeable.
You can prepare the substrate yourself.To do this, mix in equal parts:
- sod soil;
- leafy soil;
- peat;
- sand.
A little gravel or brick chips, limestone or shell rock, and a handful of charcoal should be added to the soil.
Temperature regime
For the full growth and development of the mammillaria cactus, it is necessary to create optimal temperature conditions - not higher than + 24 ° C. In the summer heat, the plant requires shading, since being in direct sunlight can lead to burns on its surface and wrinkles.
Mammillaria cactus needs good ventilation. For this, the container with the plant is placed in a ventilated area.
In the winter months, Mamillaria is dormant. During this time, the plant should be in a room with a temperature not higher than + 8 ° C.
Watering a cactus
An important component of caring for a mammillaria cactus at home is proper watering, which differs depending on the season. In late autumn and winter, the plant needs to be moistened very rarely, no more than 1 time in 20-28 days.
In summer, the number of watering cactus should be increased to 1 time per week. The plant needs to be moistened only after the soil is in flower pot dries completely. Otherwise, you can seriously harm mamillaria, since excess moisture for a cactus is destructive and can provoke diseases of the root system.
During the dormant period, the cactus does not need watering.
Feeding mamillaria
To feed the mamillaria cactus, only complex mineral fertilizers are used, designed specifically for cacti and succulents. It is best to use top dressing in the form of a liquid solution, which contains potassium and phosphorus. It is these microelements that are most useful for the Mammillaria cactus.
Mammillaria does not need to be fed with nitrogen-containing fertilizers. An excessive amount of nitrogen inhibits the growth of the plant, making its stem watery and soft.
The cactus needs mineral fertilizing from mid-April to late September; year-round feeding is not necessary.
Reproduction
Reproduction of the Mamillaria cactus is carried out in various ways - both by seeds and cuttings. Cutting is easy and simple, therefore this method is most popular among gardeners.
Experienced growers advise to propagate the plant with seeds at least once every 3-4 years. This is due to the fact that with "age" all mammillaria tend to degenerate.
Mammillaria transplant
A young cactus must be replanted once a year. An adult plant is transplanted less often, no more than once every 2-3 years. Mamillaria roots showing in the drainage holes of the flower pot is a sign that it is time to replant the cactus.
the time for transplanting is spring or early summer, before the period of active growth of the cactus. For her, a flower pot is used that is slightly larger than the old container, wide but shallow. It is best to use plastic or ceramic flower containers.
A baking powder of your choice must be added to a porous substrate that is good for air and moisture:
- brick chips;
- gravel chips;
- agrovermiculitis;
- perlite;
- crushed eggshell.
Humus cannot be added to the soil for growing a cactus of the Mamillaria variety. Organics contain a high concentration of nutrients - such a composition is not suitable for growing succulents.
Mamillaria is a beautiful and unpretentious cactus that will be an excellent option for a novice florist. It does not require much time and attention, delighting with lush and bright colors, which will be a great decoration for any interior.