Care of the cacti Dolichothele camptotricha or Mammillaria decipiens |
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The genus Dolichothele, family Cactaceae, is now included in the genus Mammillaria and this species now has the scientific name Mammillaria decipiens. Common names: Bird's nest cactus, Golden bird's nest cactus. This species is native to central Mexico. They are small cacti with a globular body (up to 7 cm/2.75" in diameter) that produce dense groups. They have large conical tubercles with thin yellowish spines at the tip. The white flowers are scented but small and appear in the axils of the tubercles. They can bloom during spring and summer. They are used in pots alone or in groups with other cacti and succulents. They can be grown in full sun exposure but prefer semi-shade exposure and high temperatures. In winter the temperature should not be less than 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a substrate for cacti or a mixture, in equal parts, of good leaf mulch and coarse sand. They are plants resistant to drought; water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry. In winter there is no need to water. Fertilize once a month with a mineral cactus fertilizer in the spring. They do not need pruning. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases; they only fear excess moisture. They propagate from the suckers produced by the mother plant or from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the cacti Dolichothele camptotricha or Mammillaria decipiens |
 Dolichothele camptotricha  Dolichothele camptotricha  Dolichothele camptotricha  Dolichothele camptotricha |