Plant Description
Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson, also known as the gumdrop cactus or reducido, is a small, columnar cactus belonging to the family Cactaceae. It is native to Mexico and can be found growing in dry, rocky areas between 900 and 1,700 meters above sea level.
General Appearance
The gumdrop cactus has a compact, flattened, and globose body that grows up to 20 centimeters tall and 15 centimeters in diameter. It has rounded tubercles with white wool and black-tipped central spines that can grow up to 1 centimeter long. The flowers are small and pinkish-white, growing to about one centimeter in diameter. The fruit is a small, red berry filled with black seeds.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the "gumdrop cactus" due to its compact shape that resembles a candy. It is also referred to as "reducido" in Spanish because of its small size.
Uses
The gumdrop cactus is mainly grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive appearance and small size. Its bright pink flowers and unique shape make it a popular choice for cactus enthusiasts and collectors. In traditional medicine, the plant is used for treating kidney stones and as a diuretic. The gum from its stem is also used for making chewing gum.
Light Requirements
Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson requires bright and direct light to thrive. It is recommended to provide at least 6 hours of full sun exposure daily, especially for plants grown indoors. Outdoor plants should be positioned in a location with partial shade during the hottest hours of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and cooler temperatures between 50-55°F (10-13°C) at night. It is important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures as it cannot tolerate frost or prolonged cold periods. Outdoor plants should be moved indoors during the winter in areas with freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of potting soil, sand, and pumice, or perlite is recommended. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0-7.0. The plant should never be allowed to sit in water, and excess moisture should be drained immediately to prevent root rot.
Cultivation
Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson is a cactus that is quite easy to grow and maintain. This plant requires a well-draining soil mix that is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. It's important to plant it in a pot with drainage holes to prevent roots from sitting in water for too long. Ideally, the plant should be placed in a spot with ample light, and it does well in temperatures between 60°F and 90°F.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, it's important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. The best way to water Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson is to wait until the soil is completely dry before watering it again. During the summer months, this cactus will require more frequent watering, while in the winter, you can extend the time between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson does not require frequent fertilization, but occasional feeding can help the plant grow and thrive. During the growing season, which typically runs from spring to fall, you can add a cactus-specific fertilizer to the soil mix. It's important to dilute the fertilizer to avoid burning the plant's roots, and to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson, but you can remove any offsets or pups that appear around the base of the parent plant. These can be propagated easily and will develop into full-grown plants over time. If you notice any damaged or rotting parts of the plant, you can remove these as well to promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson
Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson can be propagated through several methods. These propagation methods include:
1. Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson is through seed germination. The seeds can be sown in well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and bright location. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes around 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a certain size, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
2. Offset Division
Another effective method of propagating Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson is through offset division. The offsets can be gently removed from the mother plant and planted in their separate pots. The offset should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and watered thoroughly. It is important to let the offset dry for a few days before planting to avoid rotting.
3. Stem Cuttings
Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem should be cut with a clean and sharp knife and let to dry for a few days. Once the wound has dried, the stem can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and bright location. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to develop roots and can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson
Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson, commonly known as the Arizona fishhook cactus, is a popular cactus species among collectors and enthusiasts. The plant is generally low-maintenance, but it can still fall victim to pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that appears as brown sunken spots on the cactus. It can occur due to overwatering or poor drainage. To manage anthracnose, cut off any infected parts of the plant and avoid overhead watering. Ensure proper drainage and ensure that the soil is not waterlogged.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that can cause wilting and yellowing of the plant's leaves. The cause of root rot is often overwatering or poor drainage. To manage root rot, cut off any infected parts of the plant and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Ensure that the pot has proper drainage.
3. Bacterial Soft Rot: Bacterial soft rot causes the cactus to become mushy and soft, and it often has a foul odor. The disease is contagious and can spread to other plants quickly. To manage bacterial soft rot, cut off any infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Disinfect any tools used and avoid overhead watering.
Pests
1. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are tiny, white insects that appear as a cotton-like substance on the plant. They feed on the plant's sap and cause it to weaken and wilt. To manage mealybugs, clean the affected areas with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this process until all the mealybugs are gone.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, red or brown-colored mites that spin webs around the plant. They suck the plant's sap, causing it to weaken and yellow. To manage spider mites, wipe the plant with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs. Repeat the process in a few days to ensure that all the mites are gone.
3. Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, flat insects that often appear as bumps on the plant's leaves and stem. They feed on the plant's sap and cause it to weaken. To manage scale insects, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant. Repeat the process until all the scales are gone.
With proper care and management, Mammillaria gummifera Engelm. var. applanata (Engelm.) L. Benson can thrive and remain healthy. Regular inspection and early detection of any pests or diseases can help to prevent damage to the plant.
