Mammillaria pringlei aka Mammillaria Pringlei

Mammillaria pringlei, or lemon ball cactus, belongs to the cactus family. Kew places its native range in central Mexico. This extends from Querétaro to Veracruz and México State. It grows in desert or dry shrubland. LLIFLE reports a narrower range within México State. It questions records from some other areas. There, plants grow on rocky cliffs and steep canyon slopes. These sites lie among pine and oak woods.

This small succulent can grow alone or form branches. Its shape ranges from rounded to short and column-like. LLIFLE gives heights of 0.2–0.7 feet [0.06–0.2 metres]. The RHS describes stems reaching 1.3 feet [0.4 metres]. Its garden height range reaches 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. The RHS lists a spread of 0.3 feet [0.1 metres]. LLIFLE records widths up to 0.5 feet [0.15 metres]. Plants take about five to ten years to mature.

Thick yellow central spines stand among finer radial spines. LLIFLE describes five to seven central spines at each areole. These curve back, with upper spines bending over the crown. The shorter radial spines are white, thin, and spreading. A woolly patch can cover the slightly flattened top. The RHS describes rose-purple flowers; LLIFLE describes smaller, deep red blooms. Flowers may appear throughout the year. The main season runs from early spring through late summer. Oblong fruits form a ring near the stem's middle. They hold small brown seeds.

Grow this cactus under glass in a standard cactus mix. Give it bright, filtered light and low air humidity. The RHS also lists full sun as a suitable position. Use soil that drains well, with sand or loam. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Water moderately while the plant grows, then reduce winter watering sharply. Feed every two to three weeks during active growth. Its H2 rating means it needs protection from freezing.

Its compact form suits pots and sheltered patio displays. Yellow spines and bright blooms provide its main ornamental interest. It needs no pruning. Raise new plants from offsets or seed sown in early spring. Mealybugs may attack it, though the RHS reports few disease problems. LLIFLE links wild declines to collection for Christmas decorations. The supplied sources do not establish food uses or toxicity.