Mammillaria for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Mammillaria plants are a group of cactus plants that dwell in warm regions such as the American Southwest and parts of Central America. Mammillaria is a genus with several hundred varieties. The name comes from the fact people often think these plants resemble mammary glands. Overall, Mammillaria plants are small and make for great indoor container plants with prominent flowers.

• Great pest resistance.
• Noticeable colorful blooms on the top of the plant.
• Highly valuable to avid cactus collectors.

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on December 2, 2021

Planting instructions

Since Mammillaria plants come from hot regions of the world, you might expect they need full sun. However, that is not the case. In some cases, sunlight that is too intense can cause the plant to decline. If you grow Mammillaria plants indoors, place them on a windowsill that sits in sunlight for about four hours each day.

Mammillaria plants also need soil that has fantastic drainage capabilities. To make sure those conditions are in place, plant your Mammillaria plants in soils that have plenty of coarse aggregates.

Watering and nutrients

Wait for the soil that surrounds your Mammillaria plant to become dry. When that happens, you can water the plant until you soak the first few inches of the soil. If you are struggling to set an effective watering schedule based on those means, watering once per month is a good approach.

In winter, you should reduce your watering drastically as the plant is prone to root rot in its dormant phase. The same is true for fertilization. Provide a phosphate-rich fertilizer about once per month in the non-winter seasons.

Pests, diseases, and animals

Although it is not common, a Mammillaria plant can experience pest infestation. The most common pests you might find are gnats, spider mites, and scale insects. However, the greater concern for these plants is over-watering.

When you over-water a Mammillaria plant, you risk causing root rot. If you give your plant too much water it will begin to become mushy, and fungus may develop as well.

Achieving maximum results

Finding the right location and conditions for your Mammillaria plant are crucial factors towards your success in raising one of these plants. Four hours of light is ideal, but Mammillaria plants will also survive in indirect sunlight.

Another helpful tip is to put your Mammillaria plant in a cool area during the winter. While these plants do not survive freezes, cooler winter temperatures will encourage the plant to bloom better in the spring.

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