Epithelantha micromeris(Engelm . ) F.A.C.Weber ex Britton & Rose
Button Cactus , Ping Pong Ball Cactus
Cactus micromeris , Cephalomamillaria micromeris , Echinocactus micromeris , Mammillaria micromeris
Photo viaflickr.com
Family : CactaceaeSubfamily : CactoideaeTribe : CacteaeSubtribe : CactinaeGenus : Epithelantha
Epithelantha micromerisis aboriginal to theUnited States(Arizona , New Mexico , and Texas ) and northeastMexico .
Epithelantha micromerisis a smallcactuswith a global , egg - shaped , or short cylindrical , commonly unfrequented theme covered with cluster of spines . The stem can rise up to 2 inches ( 5 cm ) tall and up to 1.6 inch ( 4 cm ) in diameter . The tubercles are hemispheric to short cylindrical , measuring up to 0.25 in ( 0.3 cm ) long . They are set around the stem in spiral rows , and each is tipped with an areole that bears 20 to 40 spines in 1 to 3 serial publication . The spines are greyish or purplish - snowy with brown base , collectively appearing as a chocolate-brown blot at the middle of each bunch . The density of the spines gives the stem the illusion of being ashy gray and rough in general .
The heyday are humble , pinkish to white , rarely white-livered , and come along partially obscured by long spines at the theme tip from late wintertime to early spring . The attractive eatable fruits are bright blood-red , narrowly cylindric , and contain several black seeds .
USDA hardiness zones8b to 11b : from 15 ° F ( −9.4 ° C ) to 50 ° F ( +10 ° C ) .
To encourage better flowering , allow the plants to savor a cooling period in the winter and suspendwatering . Unlike many other cacti , which use their ribs as repositing devices , Mammillariafeature raise tubercles , from which spur come out . When you irrigate , the tubercle expand to give up for increase water storage . The flowers emerge from the axil of these tubercle on the previous year ’s growth , which accounts for their interesting halo effect . The cactus must n’t be let on to prolonged dampness and sitting water supply . Never let your cactus sit in a knockout of water . in conclusion , ensure youfertilizeduring the grow season for the good answer .
Repot as needed , rather during the strong season . To repotMammillaria , ensure thesoilis dry before repotting , then gently remove the pot . Knock away the old grunge from the radical , removing any rotted or dead roots . Treat any cut with a antifungal agent . range the works in its novel pot and backfill it with pot soil , spreading the roots as you repot . Leave the plant juiceless for a calendar week or so , then begin to water supply lightly to reduce the risk of root rot .
see more atHow to Grow and Care for Mammillaria .
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