Scientific Name
Mammillaria microhelia Werderm.
Synonym(s)
Krainzia microhelia, Leptocladia microhelia, Leptocladodia microhelia, Mammillaria droegeana, Neomammillaria microhelia
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Subtribe: Cactinae
Genus: Mammillaria
Description
Mammillaria microhelia is a beautiful small cactus with cylindrical, green stems with conical tubercles, each with a cluster of numerous spines at the tip. It can grow solitary or in clumps. The stems can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in height and 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 1 to 4 needle-like central spines and 30 to 50 slightly backward curved radial spines. The radial spines are white to yellowish and about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long, while the central spines are reddish-brown to almost black and about 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.
The flowers are up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter and vary from pale yellow to pink. They appear in spring, forming a ring around the top of stems.
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 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, ensure to 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria.
Origin
Mammillaria microhelia is endemic to Mexico.
Links
- Back to genus Mammillaria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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