Mammillaria prolifera aka Little Candles
Taxonomy ID: 13430
Mammillaria prolifera, also known as the Texas nipple cactus, is a species of cactus in the subfamily Cactoideae. It is a low-growing cactus that forms a clump of globose stems measuring up to 10cm in diameter. The cactus bears short, white or red-brown spines and its flowers are creamy-yellow tinged with pink, with outer segments striped in brown. This species is commonly found in the southwest United States and Mexico, and some have even naturalized into the Caribbean. Mammillaria cacti are recognized by their spirally arranged, succulent nipple-shaped tubercles, with the spines arranged in accordance with the Fibonacci sequence. When viewed from above, the pincushion cactus plant has an orderly and organized appearance. Overall, Mammillaria prolifera is an attractive succulent cactus that adds beauty to any collection.
Common names
Little Candles, Silver Cluster Cactus, Texas Nipple CactusMore information about Little Candles
How difficult is it to take care of Little Candles
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Little Candles due to its easy-going nature.
What is the region of origin of Little Candles
Little Candles’s native range is the Southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.
What are the water needs for Little Candles
Little Candles does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for Little Candles
To ensure the health of your Little Candles, 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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Little Candles
Little Candles 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 Texas Nipple Cactus.
What's the right humidity for Little Candles
Little Candles 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.
How to fertilize Little Candles
The growth rate of Little Candles 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.
Is Little Candles toxic to humans/pets?
Little Candles is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
What's the dormancy for Little Candles
During the wintertime, it's common for Little Candles to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
What is the growth pattern of Little Candles
Little Candles grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
Is Little Candles flowering?
Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Little Candles blooming.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Mammillaria Genus
Mammillaria muehlenpfordtii Mammillaria Celsiana
Mammillaria armillata Mammillaria Armillata
Mammillaria compressa Mother Of Hundreds
Mammillaria rhodantha Rainbow Pincushion
Mammillaria formosa chionocephala Mammillaria Riteriana
Mammillaria jaliscana Mammillaria Jaliscana
Mammillaria schiedeana giselae Mammillaria
Mammillaria uncinata
Mammillaria nivosa Cactus
