Mammillaria elongata aka Golden Star Cactus
Taxonomy
Common names
Golden Star Cactus, Lace Cactus, Ladyfinger CactusHow to care for Golden Star Cactus
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Golden Star Cactus is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Golden Star Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
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.
Lighting
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.
Dormancy
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.
Toxicity
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.
Humidity
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.
Fertilizer
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.
Region of origin
Golden Star Cactus’s native range is the Southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.
More info:
Wikipedia