Mammillaria compressa aka Mother Of Hundreds

Taxonomy

Mammillaria compressa, commonly known as mother of hundreds, is a clump-forming cactus native to northern and southern Mexico. It is a larger species of Mammillaria, forming large dull, pale green mounds with sparse white spines. This cactus blooms in the winter and early spring, displaying bell-shaped flowers ranging from purplish pink to red. It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant, and its curved spines were traditionally used as fishing hooks. Mammillaria compressa can grow up to 3 feet wide when grown outdoors and requires minimal care, being drought-tolerant and thriving in plenty of sunshine. However, some shade during hot summers can prevent sunburn. Its cylindrical stems, reaching up to 25cm, bear pale brown spines arising from conical tubercles. The plant produces a ring of pink flowers around the crown of its stem during spring.

Common names

Mother Of Hundreds

How to care for Mother Of Hundreds

Difficulty

Mother Of Hundreds presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Mother Of Hundreds does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Mother Of Hundreds, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Mother Of Hundreds thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Mother Of Hundreds.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Mother Of Hundreds to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Mother Of Hundreds prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Mother Of Hundreds is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Mother Of Hundreds’s native range is the Southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia