Scientific Name
Mammillaria fraileana (Britton & Rose) Backeb.
Synonym(s)
Bartschella albicans subsp. fraileana, Chilita fraileana, Ebnerella fraileana, Mammillaria albicans subsp. fraileana, Mammillaria albicans f. fraileana, Neomammillaria fraileana
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Subtribe: Cactinae
Genus: Mammillaria
Description
Mammillaria fraileana is a small cactus that can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and slowly produce offsets, forming a small clump with age. The stems are green or reddish if grown in full sun, cylindrical, and can reach up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 11 to 12 thin, white, and radial spines measuring up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long and 3 to 4 (one hooked) dark brown central spines measuring up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.
The flowers can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter and have light pink petals with a darker pink median line.
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 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. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, fertilize during the growing season for the best results.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot Mammillaria, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria.
Origin
Mammillaria fraileana is native to central Mexico (Baja California).
Links
- Back to genus Epithelantha
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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