Scientific Name
Mammillaria petterssonii Hildm.
Synonym(s)
Mammillaria apozolensis, Mammillaria huiguerensis, Mammillaria obscura
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Subtribe: Cactinae
Genus: Mammillaria
Description
Mammillaria petterssonii is a small cactus with a spherical, light green, usually solitary stem with woolly axils and large 3-angled tubercles tipped with clusters of spines. The stem can grow up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 6 to 7 long central spines surrounded by 10 (or more) fine radial spines. The central spines are orange-brown, becoming whitish with age, and have a dark tip. They can grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. The radial spines are white and grow up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.
The flowers are pinkish-red to white, with reddish midveins, and can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length and diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °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 increase 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 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 petterssonii is native 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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