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Description
Mammillaria Discolor, commonly known as the Red-headed Irishman, is a cactus plant that is native to Mexico. It is a small, globular cactus that can grow up to six inches in diameter and height. This plant has a deep green body with white radial spines and red central spines that give it its characteristic name. It also produces small, pink flowers that bloom from the top of the plant during the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Mammillaria |
Appearance
Mammillaria Discolor is a small, globular cactus that can grow up to six inches in diameter and height. It has a deep green body with white radial spines and red central spines that give it its characteristic name. The plant also produces small, pink flowers that bloom from the top of the plant during the summer months. Its body is covered in tubercles, which are small, conical projections that give the plant its unique texture. The plant’s body also has a woolly appearance due to the presence of small, white hairs.
Care Guide
Mammillaria Discolor is a relatively easy plant to care for. It requires well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and infrequent watering. Here are some specific care instructions:
- Water: Water the plant once every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and once a month during the dormant season (fall and winter).
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced, cactus-specific fertilizer.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is specifically formulated for cactus plants.
- Sunlight: Place the plant in a location that receives ample sunlight, preferably six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Mammillaria Discolor is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mammillaria Discolor is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases:
- Mealybugs: These small, white insects can infest the plant and cause damage. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove mealybugs.
- Scale insects: These small, brown insects can also infest the plant and cause damage. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove scale insects.
- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not watered too frequently.
Habitat
Mammillaria Discolor is native to Mexico and can be found growing in rocky, desert-like environments. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and high temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Mammillaria Discolor?
A: Water the plant once every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and once a month during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Mammillaria Discolor?
A: Mammillaria Discolor is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
Q: What is the common name for Mammillaria Discolor?
A: The common name for Mammillaria Discolor is the Red-headed Irishman.
Q: What kind of soil does Mammillaria Discolor need?
A: Mammillaria Discolor requires well-draining soil that is specifically formulated for cactus plants.
Related Plants
- Mammillaria Elongata
- Mammillaria Gracilis
- Mammillaria Plumosa
References
- “Mammillaria Discolor.” World of Succulents. Accessed 1 August 2021. https://worldofsucculents.com/mammillaria-discolor-red-headed-irishman/
- “Mammillaria Discolor.” Cactus Art. Accessed 1 August 2021. http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/MAMMILLARIA/Mammillaria_discolor/Mammillaria_discolor/Mammillaria_discolor.htm
- “Mammillaria Discolor.” Plant Care Today. Accessed 1 August 2021. https://plantcaretoday.com/mammillaria-discolor.html
