Overview
Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. is a species of cactus belonging to the family Cactaceae. It is a small, easy-to-grow plant that is popular among cactus enthusiasts.
Origin
Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. is native to Mexico, where it grows in hot, dry deserts and rocky areas.
Common Names
Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. is commonly known as the "Golden Pincushion Cactus" or "Yellow Cactus".
Uses
Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. is primarily grown as a decorative plant due to its distinctive appearance. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
General Appearance
Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. is a small cactus that grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) wide. It has cylindrical stems that are covered in small, white, woolly bumps called areoles, from which spines emerge. The plant has bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and small, red, edible fruits that ripen in the fall.
Light Requirements
Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. is a cactus plant that requires direct sunlight exposure for optimum growth. It is important to place the plant in a location where it can receive at least six hours of full sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it is recommended that the plant be kept at temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. During the dormant season, the temperature can be lowered to between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. requires a well-draining soil mix that is specifically designed for cacti and succulents. The soil should have good porosity, allowing for adequate drainage and air circulation. It is important to avoid using heavy soils that retain too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. is a small cactus plant that is easy to cultivate in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It grows well in bright, indirect sunlight, and it can thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments.
If you are using a pot, make sure to select a pot that has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, the Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. needs to be watered carefully. The plant should be watered sparingly, ensuring that the soil is slightly damp, but not wet. It’s best to water your plant only when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. To prevent overwatering, it’s best to test the soil’s moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil to feel how damp it is inside.
Fertilization
Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. is a cactus plant that does not require a lot of fertilization. The plant can be fertilized with a cactus fertilizer once a month during the growing season, which is from spring to fall.
If your plant is showing signs of deficient nutrient or slow growth, you can fertilize it with a half-strength, balanced fertilizer every two to four weeks.
Pruning
Pruning is not a requirement for the Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. However, if the plant grows tall and leggy, or if it has old and yellowed leaves, then it’s best to remove them to keep your plant healthy and neat.
You can use a sharp, sterilized pair of pruning shears to snip off the unwanted growth and leaves. It’s best to prune your plant in the spring, before it enters the active growing season.
Propagation of Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh.
Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. can be propagated through various methods:
1. Seed propagation
This is the most common method for propagating Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. Seeds can be obtained from mature fruits of the plant. Sow the seeds in well-drained soil in a small pot or tray and cover lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and warm for proper germination. Germination usually takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on the temperature.
2. Offsets division
This method involves separating the offsets from the mother plant. The offsets are small plants that grow around the base of the mother plant. Gently remove them from the main plant using a sharp knife or shears and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright, sunny location.
3. Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from the mother plant during the growing season. Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut a stem of Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. Make sure the stem is not too woody. Let the cutting dry for a day or two before placing it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright, sunny location. The cutting should root in a few weeks.
4. Grafting
Grafting is a method used to propagate Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. on a different species of cactus. This method involves cutting the top part of the Mammillaria microcarpa Engelm. var. auricarpa W.T. Marsh. and attaching it onto the stem of another cactus. The two parts will eventually grow together as one plant.
Disease management
One common disease that affects Mammilaria microcarpa is fungal rot. This disease is identified by a soft, discolored area on the plant that has a foul odor. To prevent fungal rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If caught early, the affected area can be cut off and the plant can be treated with a fungicide.
Mammillaria microcarpa is also vulnerable to bacterial soft rot. This disease causes the plant to become mushy and eventually collapse. To prevent bacterial soft rot, avoid overwatering and provide adequate spacing between plants to improve air circulation. Once again, if caught early, the affected areas can be removed and the plant can be treated with an appropriate bactericide.
Pest management
One common pest that affects Mammilaria microcarpa is the mealybug. These small, cotton-like insects can be found on the surface of the plant or in its crevices. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to weaken. To remove mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill the insects, or use a commercial insecticide.
Spider mites are another pest that can affect Mammillaria microcarpa. These tiny pests are difficult to see but they can cause webbing on the plant and yellowing or brown spots on the leaves. To control spider mites, regularly rinse the plant with water and use an insecticidal soap to kill the pests.
Finally, scale insects can also affect Mammillaria microcarpa. These pests suck the sap from the plant and can cause it to weaken. To remove scale insects, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill the insects, or use a commercial insecticide.
