Mammillaria albiflora is endemic to Guanajuato state in central Mexico, and occurs in a single location to the south of Pozos. The area of occupancy is less than 5 km2. It is found around 2000 m above sea level and grows on sloping calcareous rock in semi-desert...
Mammillaria albiflora also called as Mammillaria herrerae var. albiflora, Neomammillaria herrerae var. albiflora, Escobariopsis albiflora, is a species of the genus Mammillaria. This species was described by Curt Backeberg in 1937.
IDENTIFY MAMMILLARIA ALBIFLORA
Mammillaria albiflora is endemic to Guanajuato state in central Mexico, and occurs in a single location to the south of Pozos. The area of occupancy is less than 5 km2. It is found around 2000 m above sea level and grows on sloping calcareous rock in semi-desert.
It is a small sized usually solitary, globular or cylindrical cactus with closer to the cylindrical, thin, about 2 cm in diameter and 5-7 cm in height, hidden by spines stem. It has 60-80 white, thin and intertwined radial spines. There are no central spines.
This cactus blooms in April and May with 3.5 cm in diameter, white, less often with a pinkish tint, which is acquired when grown in full sun flowers. It produce whitish fruits and black seeds.
MAMMILLARIA ALBIFLORA CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Mammillaria albiflora needs a maximum light level for full development and successful flowering.
Temperature:
In summer, the optimum temperature should be 20-25 ° C. The cactus is sensitive to cold, although in a dry state it can tolerate a temperature drop of -5 ° C.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
The soil must be mineral, you can not allow the use of peat or humus in the soil mix, but you can add a little limestone.
Watering:
This species is very sensitive to waterlogging, so watering should be cautious. Excellent ventilation should be ensured.
Rest period:
Wintering should be cold (7-10 °) and dry. This stimulates flowering and increases the vitality of Mammillaria albiflora cactus. During the rest period, the body of the cactus decreases in size, losing up to 25% of its height. Ensure good ventilation.
Grow from seeds:
Cactus seedlings are very fragile on the first weeks and survival depends on how they are treated on that crucial stage; out of 100 of seeds in the wild only a few survive to an adult plant to produce seeds and start the cycle again. Obtaining a high percentage of adult plants from a batch of seedlings, depends on how each collector takes care of their seedlings.
Water for seedlings is the most important item to keep them growing for first few weeks. Generally, most seedlings, which are 1 week old will die after 3 days of dryness. 2 month-old seedlings can survive for 1 week if allowed to dry. 6 month-old seedlings can survive for 2 months if allowed to dry. 1 year-old seedlings can survive for 5 months if allowed to dry.
Planting instructions for 4”pot kit: First, clean with water and chlorine plastic pot, clear cover and label and wash with fresh water. Second, the soil can be sterilized for 2 hours at 120º C in an oven or a microwave but can be used without sterilization. Third, fill the pot with soil and spray with distilled, reverse osmosis or pure rainwater to let soil flatten at the top. Fourth, place to 1/8 to 1/4 inch layer of Dyna Rock or crushed sea shell extra fine on top to cover the soil making a layer between soil and seeds. Fifth, place seeds over the Dyna Rock and fine spray water the seeds well and cover with a clearcover.
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