Care of the cactus Mammillaria uncinata or Mammillaria depressa |
The genus Mammillaria, family Cactaceae, includes more than 350 species of cactus native to Mexico mostly. Some species are: Mammillaria uncinata, Mammillaria matudae, Mammillaria longimamma, Mammillaria petterssonii, Mammillaria magnifica, Mammillaria longiflora, Mammillaria carnea, Mammillaria brandegeei, Mammillaria vetula, Mammillaria spinosissima, Mammillaria schumannii, Mammillaria painteri, 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 pringlei. Scientific synonyms: Mammillaria depressa. This species is distributed throughout northern and central Mexico. Mammillaria depressa is a bluish-green cactus with a globose stem flattened at the apex that reaches 8 cm (3.14") in height and 12 cm (4.72") in diameter; it can produce shoots. It has large pyramidal tubers up to 1 cm (0.39") in height. It has white wool in the new axils and areoles. It has 4-7 reddish radial spines and 1-3 curved grey central spines. The flowers measure 1,8 cm (0.70") in diameter and are pinkish white. The fruits are red. This plant is mainly used in pots but is also suitable for rockeries and cactus and succulent gardens. Mammillaria uncinata needs full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. It resists occasional, light frosts but it is better for the winter temperature not to drop below 3 ºC (37.4 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti and succulent plants. Water moderately in spring and summer, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. Reduce watering in autumn and do not water in winter. A supply of fertilizer in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti is sufficient. Mammillaria depressa does not need pruning. Mammillaria uncinata is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering. This cactus is easily propagated from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the cactus Mammillaria uncinata or Mammillaria depressa |