Mammillaria marksiana

Scientific Name

Mammillaria marksiana Krainz

Synonym(s)

Neomammillaria marksiana

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Mammillaria marksiana is a handsome cactus with a globose stem with pyramidal tubercles that bear sparse yellow spines. With age, the stem becomes slightly column-shaped and begins to produce offsets. The stem is normally light green, becoming yellowish in bright light. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter. The blooming area is usually covered with snow-white wool. Flowers are bright yellowish-green, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long with a diameter equal to the height, and appear in late winter and early spring.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 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. 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.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria.

Origin

This species is endemic to western Mexico.