Mammillaria elongata (Ladyfinger Cactus)

Scientific Name

Mammillaria elongata DC.

Common Names

Ladyfinger Cactus, Lady Fingers, Golden Stars, Gold Lace Cactus

Synonyms

Mammillaria elongata subsp. elongata, Chilita elongata, Leptocladia elongata, Leptocladodia elongata, Mammillaria densa, Mammillaria echinata var. densa, Neomammillaria elongata

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Mammillaria elongata is a cactus with clustered, cylindrical stems up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. The stems are elongated, finger-like and up to 1.2 inch (3 cm) in diameter. The spines are variable in number, white to golden yellow or brown, more or less recurved and up to 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) long. The flowers are whitish, pale yellow or pinkish, sometimes flushed pink or with pink midstripes. They are up to 0.4 inch (1 cm) in diameter and appear in spring.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

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, Mammillaria feature raised tubercles, from which spines emerge. When you water, the tubercles will expand to allow for increased water storage. The flowers emerge from the axils of these tubercles on the previous year's growth, which accounts for their interesting halo effect. It's imperative that the cactus is not exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, make sure to fertilize during the growing season for the best results.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot Mammillaria, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria

Origin

Mammillaria elongata is native central Mexico.

Links

• Back to genus Mammillaria
• Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

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