Mammillaria magnifica

Scientific Name

Mammillaria magnifica F.G. Buchenau

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Mammillaria magnifica is a fast-growing cactus with cylindrical stems that can reach up to 16 inches (40 cm) in height and up to to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. It has 18 to 24 white or yellowish radial spines and 4 to 5 yellowish-brown, hooked central spines. Flowers are purplish-red or pinkish-red, circling the plant's crown, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. They are followed by club-shaped, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, pink fruits with green tips.

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 appear from these tubercles' axils 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, 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.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria.