Contents
Description
Mammillaria Eriacantha is a species of cactus that belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is native to Mexico and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance. This cactus has a spherical shape and can grow up to 10 cm in diameter. It has numerous tubercles arranged in rows, and each one has a white, woolly areole that produces spines. The spines are thin, needle-like, and reddish-brown in color. Mammillaria Eriacantha blooms in spring, producing small pink flowers that grow from the top of the cactus.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Mammillaria |
Appearance
Mammillaria Eriacantha is a small cactus with a spherical shape and tubercles arranged in rows. The tubercles have a white, woolly areole that produces thin, needle-like spines that are reddish-brown in color. The cactus can grow up to 10 cm in diameter and produces small pink flowers from the top in spring.
Care Guide
Mammillaria Eriacantha is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) but allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Reduce watering during the dormant season (fall and winter).Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a cactus-specific fertilizer.Soil: Use a well-draining cactus soil mix that contains sand, perlite, or pumice.Sunlight: Mammillaria Eriacantha prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate full sun.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mammillaria Eriacantha is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. To prevent these pests, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overwatering. The cactus is also susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Mammillaria Eriacantha is native to Mexico and grows in rocky, dry regions at elevations of up to 1,500 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Mammillaria Eriacantha?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season but allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.Q: What is the best fertilizer for Mammillaria Eriacantha?
A: Use a cactus-specific fertilizer and apply it once a month during the growing season.Q: What are the common pests that attack Mammillaria Eriacantha?
A: Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects are common pests that attack this cactus.Q: Where is Mammillaria Eriacantha native to?
A: This cactus is native to Mexico.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Mammillaria Eriacantha:- Mammillaria Gracilis- Mammillaria Elongata- Mammillaria Prolifera- Mammillaria Plumosa
References
– “Mammillaria Eriacantha.” Cactus Art Nursery. https://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/MAMMILLARIA/Mammillaria_eriacantha/Mammillaria_eriacantha/Mammillaria_eriacantha.htm.- “Mammillaria Eriacantha.” World of Succulents. https://worldofsucculents.com/mammillaria-eriacantha/.- “Mammillaria Eriacantha.” Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/mammillaria/mammillaria-eriacantha.htm.
