Origin
Epithelantha Micromeris (Engelm.) A. Weber ex Britt. & Rose var. bokei (L. Benson) Glass & Foster, commonly known as Boke's nipple cactus, is a small cactus species belonging to the Cactaceae family. It is native to the United States and Mexico, mainly found in the Chihuahuan desert regions.
General Appearance
Epithelantha Micromeris has a unique tubular shape with a ball-like body that can grow up to 4cm in diameter. This cactus is known for its white, woolly areoles that cover the entire body, giving it a fuzzy appearance. The small tufts of spines on the woolly areoles are usually thin, flexible, and pale, with a length of up to 2mm.
Common Names
Epithelantha Micromeris is commonly known as Boke's nipple cactus, button cactus, ping-pong cactus, and dwarf button cactus. These names usually refer to the small size of the cactus and its ball-like shape.
Uses
Epithelantha Micromeris is mainly grown as a decorative plant due to its unique appearance. Gardeners and cacti enthusiasts often grow Boke's nipple cactus in pots with other cactus species to create a diverse collection. In the past, the cactus was used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans to treat boils, sore throats, and skin irritations. However, these uses have not been confirmed scientifically.
Light Requirements
Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei requires full sun to thrive. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. A lack of adequate sunlight can cause the plant to become weak and leggy.
Temperature Requirements
This cactus plant prefers warm temperatures between 60-90°F (15-32°C) during the day and cooler temperatures around 50°F (10°C) at night. It is essential to protect the plant from frost and extreme cold. If exposed to temperatures below 30°F (-1°C), the plant can suffer from severe damage or death.
Soil Requirements
Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei prefers well-draining soil with good airflow. It can grow in most types of cactus mix or gritty soil. The ideal pH range is 6 to 7.5. The soil must be moist but not water-logged as this can cause the plant's roots to rot. It is recommended to avoid using heavy or moisture-retentive soils.
Cultivation Methods
Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei is a demanding plant that requires extra care and attention. It is a slow-growing cactus species that requires specialized cultivation methods. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a high mineral content and low organic matter content, and it needs a lot of sunlight. Its cultivation is best done indoors, where temperature, humidity, and light can be easily controlled.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei are minimal, and overwatering should be avoided. During the active growing season, the plant needs weekly watering, and in the dormant season, watering can be reduced to once a month. The soil should be completely dry before the next watering. The plant is sensitive to water quality, so it is best to use distilled water or collected rainwater.
Fertilization
Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei is not a heavy feeder and doesn't require frequent fertilization. During the active growth period, fertilization can be done once every two to three months, using a low nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and high-potassium liquid fertilizer. The plant should not be fertilized during the dormant season.
Pruning
Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei does not require regular pruning. However, occasional removal of dead or diseased parts may be necessary. Any damaged or diseased parts of the plant should be cut back to healthy tissue using a clean, sterilized cutting tool. Pruning should be done in the dormant season when the plant is less likely to suffer shock.
Propagation of Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei
There are several ways to propagate Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei, including:
Seeds
Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei can be propagated through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the ripe fruits during the spring or summer months. After collecting the seeds, they should be air-dried and stored in a cool, dry place until ready for planting. When planting, the seeds should be sown on well-draining soil in a pot or tray. Keep the soil moist and place the pot or tray in a warm, bright location. Germination can take several weeks to several months.
Offsets
Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei can also be propagated through offsets. These are small plantlets that grow around the base of the main plant. To propagate using offsets, carefully remove the offsets from the main plant. Plant the offsets in a separate container with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a bright, warm location. The offsets should root and begin to grow within a few weeks.
Cuttings
Another propagation method for Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei is through stem cuttings. To propagate using cuttings, select a healthy stem and cut it just below a node. Allow the cutting to air-dry for a few days to allow for callus formation, then plant in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a bright, warm location. The cutting should begin to root within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei
Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei is a cactus plant that is generally hardy and easy to care for, but it can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are a few common issues to watch out for and some tips on how to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage, which can lead to fungal growth in the roots. Symptoms include yellow or wilted leaves and a soft, mushy plant base.
To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and that the plant is not overwatered. If you suspect root rot, you may need to trim away any affected roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Be sure to monitor the moisture levels and avoid watering too frequently.
Another disease that can affect Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei is bacterial soft rot. This can be caused by bacteria entering the plant through wounds or cuts, and it can lead to mushy, soft plant tissue and an unpleasant odor.
To manage bacterial soft rot, it is important to keep the plant healthy and avoid any damage to the stem or roots. If you notice any signs of soft tissue or unpleasant odors, consider cutting away the affected areas and treating the plant with a fungicide or bactericide.
Pests
While Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei is generally hardy and resistant to pests, there are still a few common insects that can cause problems. Here are a couple of t op culprits:
Spider mites: These tiny insects can be difficult to spot, but they can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking out its juices. Symptoms of spider mites include yellow or speckled leaves and webbing on the plant.
To manage spider mites, you may need to spray the plant with a miticide or wash the plant with a hard stream of water to dislodge the insects. You may also need to provide the plant with more humid conditions and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can attract spider mites.
Mealybugs: These white, cotton-like insects can be a nuisance on Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei, and they can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
To manage mealybugs, you can try to remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also treat the plant with an insecticide or introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to help control the population.
Overall, the key to preventing and managing diseases and pests on Epithelantha micromeris var. bokei is to keep the plant healthy and to monitor it closely for any signs of problems. With proper care and attention, this cactus plant can thrive for years to come.
