Mammillaria heyderi aka Ball Cactus

Taxonomy

Common names

Ball Cactus, Pancake Pincushion, Cream Cactus

How to care for Ball Cactus

Difficulty

Ball Cactus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Ball Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When it comes to the Ball Cactus, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

Ball Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Ball Cactus will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Ball Cactus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Ball Cactus is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

Ball 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 growth of Ball Cactus is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Ball Cactus’s native range is the Southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Flower

If you provide your Ball Cactus with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia