Whole Description:
Mammillaria bombycina, commonly known as the Silk Cactus or the Bombshell Cactus, is a delightful species native to Mexico. This cactus is renowned for its woolly white spines that resemble silky threads, giving it a unique and appealing look. It grows in clusters, forming a dense mound of cylindrical stems, each adorned with fine, hooked central spines and radial spines.
In the spring and summer, it showcases small, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, magenta, or light purple, which form a crown-like ring around the stem’s apex. Following flowering, it produces bright red, club-shaped fruits that enhance its ornamental value.
Care Tips:
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate full sun but may require shade in extreme heat.
- Watering: Water moderately during the growing season (spring to summer), allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
- Soil: Use well-draining cactus soil with added sand or perlite to prevent root rot.
- Temperature: Prefers warm conditions, ideally between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Protect from frost by keeping above 10°C (50°F).
- Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted cactus fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization.
- Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years, using fresh soil to encourage healthy growth. Handle with care due to its spines.
- Propagation: Propagate through offsets or seeds for cluster formation.
