Contents
Description
Mammillaria Parkinsonii is a type of cactus that is native to Mexico. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is commonly known as the Parkinson’s Nipple Cactus. The cactus can grow up to 15 cm in height and 10 cm in width. It has a cylindrical shape with a greenish-blue hue and a woolly apex. The cactus also has numerous small tubercles that are arranged in a spiral pattern.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Mammillaria |
Appearance
Mammillaria Parkinsonii has a cylindrical shape with a greenish-blue hue and a woolly apex. The cactus also has numerous small tubercles that are arranged in a spiral pattern. These tubercles produce spines that range in color from white to yellow. The cactus also produces small flowers that are pink or white in color and bloom in the summer months.
Care Guide
Mammillaria Parkinsonii is a low-maintenance plant, making it a great choice for beginners. Here are some tips for taking care of your cactus:
- Water: Water your cactus once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering to once every two to three weeks during the dormant season (fall and winter).
- Fertilization: Fertilize your cactus once a month during the growing season with a cactus-specific fertilizer.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents.
- Sunlight: Mammillaria Parkinsonii thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Place your cactus in a south-facing window or in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Mammillaria Parkinsonii is hardy in USDA zones 9a-11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mammillaria Parkinsonii is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
- Mealybugs: These insects appear as white, cotton-like masses on the plant. They can be removed by wiping the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Scale insects: These insects appear as small, brown bumps on the plant. They can be removed by wiping the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not sitting in standing water.
Habitat
Mammillaria Parkinsonii is native to Mexico and can be found growing in rocky, well-draining soil in desert regions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Mammillaria Parkinsonii?
A: Water your cactus once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering to once every two to three weeks during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Q: What type of soil should I use for my Mammillaria Parkinsonii?
A: Use a well-draining soil mix that is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents.
Q: What are some common pests that affect Mammillaria Parkinsonii?
A: Mealybugs and scale insects are common pests that affect Mammillaria Parkinsonii.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Mammillaria Parkinsonii?
A: Mammillaria Parkinsonii is hardy in USDA zones 9a-11b.
Related Plants
- Mammillaria Bocasana
- Mammillaria Elongata
- Mammillaria Gracilis
- Mammillaria Hahniana
References
- “Mammillaria Parkinsonii,” World of Succulents, accessed October 27, 2021, https://worldofsucculents.com/mammillaria-parkinsonii-parkinsons-nipple-cactus/.
- “Mammillaria Parkinsonii,” Cactus Art Nursery, accessed October 27, 2021, https://cactus-art.biz/schede/MAMMILLARIA/Mammillaria_parkinsonii/Mammillaria_parkinsonii/Mammillaria_parkinsonii.htm.
- “Mammillaria Parkinsonii,” Gardening Know How, accessed October 27, 2021, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/mammillaria/mammillaria-parkinsonii.htm.
