Mammillaria painteri or Neomammillaria painteri

Care of the cactus Mammillaria painteri or Neomammillaria painteri

The genus Mammillaria, family Cactaceae, includes more than 350 species of cactus native to Mexico mostly. Some species are: Mammillaria painteri, Mammillaria longimamma, Mammillaria magnimamma, Mammillaria lenta, Mammillaria laui, Mammillaria karwinskiana, Mammillaria hahniana, Mammillaria haageana, Mammillaria geminispina, Mammillaria discolor, Mammillaria crinita, Mammillaria compressa, Mammillaria carmenae, Mammillaria candida, Mammillaria bombycina, Mammillaria backebergiana, Mammillaria parkinsonii, Mammillaria pringlei, Mammillaria spinosissima, Mammillaria vetula, Mammillaria petterssonii, Mammillaria magnifica.

Scientific synonyms: Neomammillaria painteri. This species is native to Queretaro, Mexico.

They are small globular cacti with depressed apex that become tussock and reach 6 cm (2.36") in height. The tubers are 7 mm (0.27") long and cylindrical. In the tiny areolas they have 20 fine white radial spines like bristles and 4-5 longer central spines (1 cm/0.39") of reddish color. The small flowers are greenish-white or pinkish.

These relatively fast growing cacti are used in pots for terraces, patios, balconies, greenhouses, and well-lit and ventilated interiors.

Mammillaria painteri can grow in direct sun or semi-shade exposures. In winter the temperature should not be less than 2 ºC (35.6 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti with 20% volcanic gravel.

Water regularly in spring and summer waiting for the substrate to have completely dried. In autumn water every 20-25 days; do not water in winter.

Fertilize in early spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti.

They do not need pruning.

The worst enemies of these plants are excess humidity and poor ventilation.

They propagate by separation of suckers or by seeds sown in spring.