How do you care for a Mammillaria Bombycina?
Easily grown in a standard cactus compost in full sun or bright filtered light. Water moderately when in growth. Make sure you let the soil dry out between waterings. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. These plants grow best in full sun or bright direct light and appreciate some afternoon shade in hot weather. Grow them in a well-drained cactus mix with added grit or coarse sand to encourage adequate drainage.Light Intensity: Place your indoor cactus near a south-facing window to provide the brightest light possible. Cacti require ample sunlight to trigger blooming.Spines are a great help to cacti in the desert environment. They trap air, collect water and keep predators away. If a cactus loses spines, it won’t look as decorative and might even die, depending on the cause.
How often should I water Mammillaria?
Watering: mammillaria cactus does not require much watering. Simply water when its soil is almost dry in the spring, summer, and fall. In the winter, you can water half as frequently. A little fertilizer will also go a long way, specifically in the early spring and mid-summer. Fertilizing your mammillaria and providing sufficient water and sun all help it to bloom. Another tip to trigger bountiful blooming next season is to keep your plant in cooler temperatures of around 45°f to 55°f and withhold water during winter.
How often should I water a cactus?
Watering: Water every 2–3 weeks in spring/summer; reduce to once a month or less in fall/winter. Temperature & Humidity: Keep cacti away from heating vents; occasional misting of soil can prevent dehydration. Feed the plant monthly from spring until mid-autumn with a general purpose fertilizer for indoor plants. Additionally, because Christmas cacti require more magnesium than most plants, it normally helps to provide a supplemental feeding of 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts dissolved in one gallon of water.You should fertilize cacti a total of three times during these seasons. Cacti do not grow during the fall or winter, so no fertilizer is needed during this time. A low-nitrogen fertilizer is best for cactus species. A 5-10-10 blend works well, and should be diluted with water.The only rule is: Make sure the soil is dry between waterings. This will stop the roots and lower edges of the plant from becoming waterlogged or rotting. During winter months you can cut back on the water, as cacti become dormant during this time with less sun and cooler night temperatures.In autumn and winter, November to the beginning of March, give cacti and succulents a period of rest. Provide cooler conditions with a night temperature of only 8-10°C (46-50°F) and minimal or no watering.Water thoroughly, but let the excess water drain out. If planting your cactus in a pot, ensure the pot has a drainage hole. Avoid allowing the cactus to sit in water, and pour water directly at the base, avoiding the plant’s body to prevent rot.
What is the lifespan of an indoor cactus?
Most popular indoor cacti like barrel cacti, prickly pears, and jade plants typically live 15-50 years with proper care. Christmas cacti are particularly long-lived and can survive for over 100 years when maintained correctly. Cacti are super hardy indoor houseplants that survive in most conditions. If you care for a cactus well, it can thrive indoors for many decades. Some species of outdoor cacti can live between 20 and 200 years. To help cacti live long, the plants need thorough watering as often as the soil becomes dry.