Contents
Description
Mammillaria Tetrancistra is a cactus species that belongs to the Mammillaria genus, which is one of the most diverse genera in the Cactaceae family. It is native to Mexico and is commonly found in the states of Queretaro, Hidalgo, and San Luis Potosi. The plant has a globular shape and can reach up to 20 cm in height and 10 cm in diameter. It has a greenish-gray color, and its stem is covered with tubercles that are arranged in a spiral pattern. The tubercles have a woolly apex and are dotted with small spines.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Mammillaria |
Appearance
Mammillaria Tetrancistra has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other cactus species. Its stem is globular, and it has a greenish-gray color. The stem is covered with tubercles that are arranged in a spiral pattern, and each tubercle has a woolly apex and small spines. The flowers of Mammillaria Tetrancistra are small and come in shades of pink, yellow, or white. The plant produces fruit that is red and contains small black seeds.
Care Guide
Mammillaria Tetrancistra is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this cactus:- Water: Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, which can be fatal to the plant.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a cactus-specific fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the dormant season (fall and winter).- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is specifically designed for cactus and succulents.- Sunlight: Mammillaria Tetrancistra needs bright, direct sunlight to thrive. Place the plant in a sunny spot where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Mammillaria Tetrancistra is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mammillaria Tetrancistra is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common problems to watch out for:- Mealybugs: These pests are small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can be treated with a solution of rubbing alcohol and water.- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, brown insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck the sap. They can be treated with a horticultural oil spray.- Root rot: Overwatering can cause the roots of the plant to rot, which can be fatal. To prevent root rot, water the plant only when the soil is completely dry.
Habitat
Mammillaria Tetrancistra is native to Mexico and is commonly found in the states of Queretaro, Hidalgo, and San Luis Potosi. It grows in rocky, well-draining soil and is often found growing in the crevices of rocks or on steep slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Mammillaria Tetrancistra?
A: Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry.Q: What is the best soil mix for Mammillaria Tetrancistra?
A: Use a well-draining soil mix that is specifically designed for cactus and succulents.Q: What should I do if I notice mealybugs on my Mammillaria Tetrancistra?
A: Mealybugs can be treated with a solution of rubbing alcohol and water.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Mammillaria Tetrancistra?
A: Mammillaria Tetrancistra is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Related Plants
– Mammillaria Elongata- Mammillaria Gracilis- Mammillaria Spinossisima- Mammillaria Prolifera- Mammillaria Plumosa
References
– Anderson, E. F. (2001). The Cactus Family. Timber Press.- Mammillaria tetrancistra. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gbif.org/species/5369960- Mammillaria tetrancistra. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cactiguide.com/cactus/?genus=Mammillaria&species=tetrancistra
