This cactus is ideal for the novice succulent gardener. Its stems create thick mixtures of green and orange, and in the spring, beautiful light yellow or pink blossoms emerge.
Table of Contents
Care and Propagation Information
Taking care of Ladyfinger Cactus is an uncomplicated process. Its growth rate is slow, yet it will thrive when kept inside and exposed to sufficient light.
Watering
Mammillaria elongata is like other succulents in that it should be watered using the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry out completely between irrigations.
During the winter season, avoid watering your plants too much or at all to prevent rotting.
Where to Plant
If you live in an area where temperatures drop below 20° F (-6.7° C), it is not recommended to plant the Mammillaria elongata “Ladyfinger Cactus” directly into the ground. Placing it in a pot that can be brought indoors is the better option. This cactus enjoys full to partial sun exposure.
Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day, or if planting indoors, make sure it is close to a window that gets plenty of sun, such as one facing south (if you are in the Northern Hemisphere).
How to Propagate Mammillaria elongata “Ladyfinger Cactus”
Cuttings
Taking a cutting from a Ladyfinger Cactus requires caution. To learn how to do so properly, refer to the instructions outlined in this post.
In order to propagate a clump, you will need to equip yourself with nitrile gloves, silicone tongs, and a sharp blade.
Using the tongs, carefully remove a single stem from the bunch. If the stem is too tough to pull off without taking the rest of the plant with it, use the knife to cut through it.
Wait a few days for the stem to harden off before transferring it to soil that drains well.
Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Mammillaria elongata “Ladyfinger Cactus”
Watering
Mammillaria elongata is like other succulents in that it should be watered using the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry out completely between irrigations.
During the winter season, avoid watering your plants too much or at all to prevent rotting.
Where to Plant
If you live in an area where temperatures drop below 20° F (-6.7° C), it is not recommended to plant the Mammillaria elongata “Ladyfinger Cactus” directly into the ground. Placing it in a pot that can be brought indoors is the better option. This cactus enjoys full to partial sun exposure.
Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day, or if planting indoors, make sure it is close to a window that gets plenty of sun, such as one facing south (if you are in the Northern Hemisphere).
How to Propagate Mammillaria elongata “Ladyfinger Cactus”
Cuttings
Taking a cutting from a Ladyfinger Cactus requires caution. To learn how to do so properly, refer to the instructions outlined in this post.
In order to propagate a clump, you will need to equip yourself with nitrile gloves, silicone tongs, and a sharp blade.
Using the tongs, carefully remove a single stem from the bunch. If the stem is too tough to pull off without taking the rest of the plant with it, use the knife to cut through it.
Wait a few days for the stem to harden off before transferring it to soil that drains well.
FAQ
How big do Mammillaria elongata get?
The flowers range in color from pale yellow to peach, and the fruits are edible.
Mammillaria Elongata is a small succulent native to Mexico that is part of the Cactaceae family. Growing up to 8 inches tall, it has dense clusters of cylindrical stems covered in brown-yellow spines. Its flowers range from pale yellow to peach in color, and the fruits are edible.
Does Mammillaria elongata flower?
Known as the ladyfinger cactus, Mammillaria elongata is a great choice for novice gardeners. It forms clusters of cylindrical stems, with a golden-brown hue from the yellow-brown spines. In the springtime, pink-yellow flowers may bloom. This cactus is also easy to propagate, as its offshoots can be used to form new plants.
How tall do Mammillaria cactus grow?
The mammillaria cactus is small, typically only reaching a diameter of an inch and a maximum height of six inches. This cactus is also quite low-maintenance, requiring very little water.
How big do Mammillaria cactus get?
The mammillaria cactus is quite small; its diameter reaches only about one inch, and the cactus itself is usually no taller than six inches. This species requires minimal water to thrive.
How big is the Mammillaria elongata?
Reaching a height of 15 cm (6 in) and a width of 30 cm (12 in), this plant consists of bunches of long oval stalks that are covered with prickly but harmless yellow or brown spines. In the springtime, it produces gorgeous white or yellow flowers.