Mammillaria bocasana 'Splendens'

Scientific Name

Mammillaria bocasana 'Splendens'

Synonym(s)

Neomammillaria bocasana var. splendens

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Subtribe: Cactinae
Genus: Mammillaria

Origin

Mammillaria bocasana 'Splendens' is a form of Mammillaria bocasana selected in cultivation. It is similar to Mammillaria bocasana 'Multilanata', but has a profusion of short, white, woolly hairs and shorter hooked central spines.

Description

Mammillaria bocasana 'Splendens' is a clumping cactus with stems covered with short, white, woolly hairs and very short, hooked central spines. The stems are spherical, light green to bluish-green, and can grow up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall and 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter.

The flowers are funnel-shaped, range from creamy white to creamy yellow or pinkish, and can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. The flower buds are rose-colored.

How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria bocasana 'Splendens'

Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 8a to 11b: from 10°F (-12.2°C) to 50°F (10°C).

To encourage better flowering, allow the plants to enjoy a cooling period in the winter and suspend watering. Unlike many other cacti, which use their ribs as storage devices, the Mammillaria feature raised tubercles, from which spines emerge. When you water, the tubercles will expand to increase water storage. The flowers emerge from the axils of these tubercles on the previous year's growth, which accounts for their interesting halo effect. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and standing water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, ensure fertilizer during the growing season for the best results.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a cactus, ensure the soil is dry, then gently remove the pot. Next, remove the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria.