Scientific Name
Mammillaria sphaerica A.Dietr.
Common Name(s)
Longmamma Nipple Cactus, Longspine Nipple Cactus, Pale Mammillaria
Synonym(s)
Cactus sphaericus, Dolichothele sphaerica, Mammillaria longimamma var. sphaerica, Mammillaria sphaerica subsp. sphaerica, Neomammillaria sphaerica
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Subtribe: Cactinae
Genus: Mammillaria
Origin
This species is native to the United States (southeastern Texas) and northeastern Mexico (Tamaulipas). It occurs in scattered patches at altitudes up to 3,300 feet (1,000 m).
Description
Mammillaria sphaerica is a small cactus that forms a clump of pale green globose stems with conical to cylindrical tubercles and white or yellowish spines. The stems grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Tubercles are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears one central spine and 12 to 14 radial spines. Flowers are brilliant yellow and appear in spring or summer. They are funnel-shaped, up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. Fruits are greenish-white to dull pinkish-tan or maroon, ovoid to short cylindrical, about 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long, and up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter.
Etymology
The specific epithet “sphaerica (SFAY-rik-uh)” is a feminine form of the Latine adjective “sphaericus,” meaning “spherical,” and refers to the shape of the stems.
How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria sphaerica
Light: Plant this cactus in an area of your garden that receives 4 hours of direct sunlight a day. If growing M. sphaerica indoors, place it near the brightest window in your home or office to ensure your cactus gets enough light. If possible, place the pot on the balcony or in the garden for extra light from spring to fall.
Soil: M. sphaerica requires a soil mix that provides root aeration and good drainage, whether grown outdoors or indoors. Use commercial cactus potting mixes or create your own potting mix.
Hardiness: This cactus is heat tolerant but is not a cold-hardy plant. M. sphaerica can withstand temperatures as low as 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.
Watering: From spring to fall, water deeply and wait for the soil to dry before watering again. Never let the pot sit in water. Suspend watering in the winter.
Fertilizing: M. sphaerica can benefit from fertilization during the growing season. Apply a water-soluble fertilizer for cacti and other succulents. Suspend feeding during the winter when the plant goes dormant.
Repotting: Repot every two or three years into a slightly larger pot. The best time to repot your M. sphaerica is late winter or early spring, but the repotting process can be done almost any time of the year.
Propagation: There are two easy ways to propagate M. sphaerica: by seeds or by dividing offsets. The best time to remove offsets is in spring and summer. Sow the seeds in late spring or summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria.
Toxicity of Mammillaria sphaerica
M. sphaerica is considered non-toxic to both humans and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Mammillaria
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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