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Description
Mammillaria Polythele, commonly known as the “Nipple Cactus,” is a cactus species that belongs to the family Cactaceae. It is native to Mexico and can be found growing in rocky areas, deserts, and scrublands. The plant typically grows in clusters and forms low mounds. It has a spherical shape and can grow up to 10 cm in diameter. The cactus is covered in tubercles, which are small bumps that have woolly hair and spines.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukaryota |
---|---|
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Tracheophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Caryophyllales |
Family | Cactaceae |
Genus | Mammillaria |
Appearance
The Mammillaria Polythele has a spherical shape and can grow up to 10 cm in diameter. The cactus is covered in tubercles, which are small bumps that have woolly hair and spines. The spines are yellowish-white and grow up to 1.5 cm long. The flowers of the Mammillaria Polythele are small and pink. They grow in a circle around the top of the cactus and bloom in the summer. The fruit that follows the flowers is small and red.
Care Guide
The Mammillaria Polythele is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this cactus:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out between watering. Reduce watering in the winter months.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a cactus-specific fertilizer.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents.
- Sunlight: Place the plant in a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Hardiness Zones: The Mammillaria Polythele is hardy in USDA zones 9b-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Mammillaria Polythele is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. To prevent these pests, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overwatering. If you do notice an infestation, treat it with an insecticidal soap. The plant is also susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by overwatering or using a soil mix that does not drain well. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Mammillaria Polythele is native to Mexico and can be found growing in rocky areas, deserts, and scrublands. It grows well in well-draining soils and areas with plenty of sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Mammillaria Polythele?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out between watering. Reduce watering in the winter months.
Q: What type of soil should I use for my Mammillaria Polythele?
A: Use a well-draining soil mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents.
Q: What are some common pests that affect the Mammillaria Polythele?
A: The Mammillaria Polythele is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for the Mammillaria Polythele?
A: The Mammillaria Polythele is hardy in USDA zones 9b-11.
Related Plants
- Mammillaria elongata
- Mammillaria bocasana
- Mammillaria hahniana
- Mammillaria geminispina
References
- “Mammillaria Polythele.” Cactus Art Nursery. http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/MAMMILLARIA/Mammillaria_polythele/Mammillaria_polythele/Mammillaria_polythele.htm.
- “Mammillaria Polythele.” World of Succulents. https://worldofsucculents.com/mammillaria-polythele-nipple-cactus/.
- “Mammillaria Polythele.” Arizona Cactus Sales. https://arizonacactussales.com/product/mammillaria-polythele-nipple-cactus/.