Origin
Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. is a species of cactus that is native to Mexico. Specifically, it is found in the states of Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, and Zacatecas.
Common Names
Common names for Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. include the Golden Star Cactus and the Long Teat Mammillaria.
Uses
Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. Its distinct appearance, with a spherical or cylindrical stem covered in golden spines and small pink or yellow flowers, makes it a popular addition to cactus gardens and collections. In Mexico, some indigenous groups also use the plant medicinally to treat skin disorders and digestive issues.
General Appearance
Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. is a small cactus, known for its globular or cylindrical stem that can reach up to 7 centimeters in diameter. The plant is covered in distinctive golden spines that radiate from the stem, giving the appearance of a star. In the spring, it produces small pink or yellow flowers that bloom at the top of the stem. The plant's name comes from the elongated tubercles or "teats" that run along the stem, which are characteristic of the Mammillaria species.
Growth Conditions for Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg.
Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. is a cactus plant that requires specific growth conditions for its healthy growth. Following are the environmental elements necessary for the suitable growth of this plant:
Light
Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica requires sufficient light for its growth. However, direct sunlight can cause damage to its leaves. Hence, the plant should be placed in partial sunlight for 4-5 hours daily, preferably in the morning or evening hours. In winter months, the plant can be kept in brighter light conditions.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica is between 20-30°C (68-86°F) during the day, and 10-20°C (50-68°F) during the night. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of 4-5°C (39-41°F) during its winter dormancy phase. However, it should be kept from frost and cold drafts, preferably indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that allows excess water to escape. A suitable mix for Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica contains coarse sand, pumice, and perlite, along with standard potting soil in a 1:1 ratio. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Fertilizing is not required during the winter months, and it should only be done during the growing season.
Cultivation
Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. is a cactus species that requires minimal care and thrives well in warm indoor conditions. The plant requires a well-draining, sandy soil mix with good aeration for optimal growth. It is advisable to use terracotta pots with drainage holes as they provide adequate airflow and prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, this plant requires low to moderate watering. Typically, it would help if you watered your M. longimamma about once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to root rot and yellowing of leaves. It is essential to avoid getting water on the plant's body while watering to prevent fungal infections and other diseases.
Fertilization
The M. longimamma plant requires minimal fertilization. During spring and summer, you can supplement with a light dose of a balanced cactus fertilizer every month. Stop fertilizing the plant during the winter months or when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning a M. longimamma plant is not necessary as it has a naturally compact growth habit. However, if there are any yellow or dead leaves, you can use sterilized pruning shears to remove them. This helps to prevent the spread of diseases and promotes overall plant health.
Propagation of Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg.
Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. is a cactus plant that is commonly propagated by seeds and offsets.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method to start growing Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. To propagate the plant through seeds, collect them from the fruits of matured cactus plants. The collected seeds should be washed in water and dried in the shade for a few days.
After the seeds have dried, sow them in a well-draining soil mix that is moist with regular watering to ensure they germinate. The ideal temperature for germination is around 70-75?. The seedlings should be kept in indirect light for the first few months of growth, and then gradually introduced to direct sunlight.
Offset Propagation
Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. can also be propagated through offsets. Offsets are small offshoots that sprout up from the base of the parent plant. These offshoots can be removed from the parent plant and planted in their soil mix to grow.
To propagate using offsets, wait until the offshoots are large enough to be removed, about 1/3 or 1/4 the size of the parent plant. Using a sharp, sterile knife, cut the offset from the parent plant and let it dry for a few days. Then, plant the offset in a well-draining soil mix, and water as needed.
Propagation by offsets is an ideal method for those who wish to propagate quickly and with less effort than seed propagation. It is also useful for maintaining the species' characteristics.
Disease Management
Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. is susceptible to several diseases, including fungal and bacterial infections. One common fungal infection is powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery coating on the plant's stem and spines. To manage this disease, the affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Preventative measures such as increasing airflow around the plant and avoiding overhead watering can also be implemented.
Another fungal infection that can affect this plant is root rot, which is caused by overwatering. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid watering frequently. For plants that are already infected, remove the affected parts and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Bacterial infections can also cause problems for Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. One common bacterial infection is soft rot, which causes the stem to become soft and mushy. Infected parts should be removed and destroyed, and the remaining parts of the plant should be treated with a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Mammillaria longimamma DC. var. sphaerica (A. Dietr.) K. Brandeg. is susceptible to attacks by pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Mealybugs and scale insects are characterized by their small size and white, cottony appearance. Spider mites are tiny pests that are almost invisible to the naked eye, but they can cause discoloration and webbing on the plant.
To manage pest infestations, the plant should be regularly inspected for signs of infestation. Infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed, and beneficial predators such as ladybugs can be introduced to the area. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be applied to the plant to control pest populations.
Preventative measures such as keeping the plant healthy and avoiding overcrowding can also help prevent pest infestations. Additionally, quarantining new plants before introducing them to the area can prevent the spread of pests to healthy plants.
