Mammillaria prolifera
little candles
A cactus forming a clump of globose stems to 10cm, bearing short, white or red-brown spines; flowers 2cm, creamy-yellow tinged pink, the outer segments striped with brown
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Brown Pink Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Mammillaria are spiny cacti with spherical or columnar stems, often in clusters, with many prominent tubercles, and funnel-shaped flowers usually in a ring near the apex of the stem
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W. Indies, Cuba to Hipaniola
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by offsets
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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