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Description
Mammillaria Gracilis, also known as the ‘Thimble Cactus,’ is a small-sized cactus that belongs to the Cactaceae family. This cactus is native to Mexico and is widely grown as an ornamental plant. It has a globular shape and can grow up to 6 inches in height and 8 inches in diameter. The plant has dark green stems that are covered with white spines, which often give it a woolly appearance. During the spring season, the plant produces small pink or white flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Mammillaria |
Appearance
Mammillaria Gracilis has a globular shape with a diameter of up to 8 inches and a height of up to 6 inches. The dark green stem has a woolly appearance due to its white spines. The spines are typically 1-2 cm long and are arranged in a radial pattern. The plant has small pink or white flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter and bloom during the spring season.
Care Guide
To grow Mammillaria Gracilis, you need to follow the care guide below:Water: This cactus requires moderate watering, and you should water it when the soil is dry. During the winter season, you should reduce watering.Fertilization: You should fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil, and you should mix sand, perlite, and peat moss to create a suitable growing medium.Sunlight: Mammillaria Gracilis requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. You should place it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: This plant is suitable for hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mammillaria Gracilis is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:Spider Mites: These pests can cause discoloration and wilting of the plant. You can control them by washing the plant with soapy water.Mealybugs: These pests can cause yellowing and distortion of the plant. You can control them by wiping the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering, and it can cause the plant to wilt and die. You can prevent this by ensuring that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Mammillaria Gracilis is native to Mexico and is found in rocky areas, dry hillsides, and deserts. The plant prefers a warm and dry climate and is adapted to survive in arid conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mammillaria Gracilis a good indoor plant?
A: Yes, Mammillaria Gracilis can thrive indoors if it is placed in a location that receives adequate sunlight.Q: How often should I water my Mammillaria Gracilis?
A: You should water the plant when the soil is dry. During the winter season, you should reduce watering.Q: What is the ideal growing medium for Mammillaria Gracilis?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil, and you should mix sand, perlite, and peat moss to create a suitable growing medium.Q: How do I prevent root rot in Mammillaria Gracilis?
A: You can prevent root rot by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and by avoiding overwatering.
Related Plants
- Mammillaria Elongata
- Mammillaria Grusonii
- Mammillaria Prolifera
- Mammillaria Spinosissima
References
- https://cactiguide.com/cactus/?genus=mammillaria&species=gracilis
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/mammillaria/grimms-fairy-castle-cactus.htm
- https://worldofsucculents.com/mammillaria-gracilis-thimble-cactus/
