Mammillaria elongata aka Golden Star Cactus
Taxonomy ID: 5236
Mammillaria elongata, commonly known as the gold lace cactus or ladyfinger cactus, is a species of succulent plant in the family Cactaceae. Native to central Mexico, this popular indoor plant grows on rocks in the states of Hidalgo, Guanajuato, and Queretaro. It has clustered cylindrical stems that can reach up to 15 cm in height and 30 cm in width. The stems are covered in creamy-yellow to brown spines, which are sharp but harmless. During spring, M. elongata produces clusters of pale yellow or pink-tinged flowers that are approximately 1.5 cm in length. This cactus is highly variable in nature and has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It also bears fruit.
Common names
Golden Star Cactus, Lace Cactus, Ladyfinger CactusMore information about Golden Star Cactus
How difficult is it to take care of Golden Star Cactus
With its straightforward care requirements, Golden Star Cactus is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the region of origin of Golden Star Cactus
Golden Star Cactus’s native range is the Southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.
What are the water needs for Golden Star Cactus
Golden Star Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for Golden Star Cactus
To keep your Golden Star Cactus healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
What is the sunlight requirement for Golden Star Cactus
To ensure optimal growth, the Golden Star Cactus prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
What's the right humidity for Golden Star Cactus
Golden Star Cactus enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.
How to fertilize Golden Star Cactus
The Golden Star Cactus is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Is Golden Star Cactus toxic to humans/pets?
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
What seasonal care does Golden Star Cactus need?
During the wintertime, it is common for Golden Star Cactus plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Mammillaria Genus
Mammillaria albicans fraileana Mammillaria Fraileana
Mammillaria melaleuca Mammillaria Melaleuca
Mammillaria wrightii Wright's Fishhook Cactus
Mammillaria huitzilopochtli Cat's Whisker
Mammillaria halbingeri Mammillaria Halbingeri
Mammillaria albicoma
Mammillaria zeilmanniana Cactus
Mammillaria perbella
Mammillaria jaliscana Mammillaria Jaliscana
