Synonyms:

Mammillaria giselae

Habitat:

Indigenous to the arid landscapes of Mexico, Mammillaria schiedeana subs. giselae thrives in the high-altitude regions of Puebla and Oaxaca in Mexico. This cactus has adapted to the challenging conditions of its natural habitat, which include well-drained, rocky soils and a climate characterized by intense sunlight and sporadic rainfall. The plant is often found nestled among other desert succulents, showcasing its ability to withstand the harsh conditions of its environment.

Description:

The growth habit of Mammillaria schiedeana subs. giselae is characterized by solitary, globose to short cylindrical stems, attaining a height ranging from 15 to 20 cm. These succulent stems exhibit a remarkable geometric symmetry attributed to the spiral arrangement of its distinctive tubercles. The tubercles, small, conical projections on the stem surface, are evenly spaced, creating an aesthetically pleasing, almost hypnotic pattern. Each tubercle bears a cluster of radial spines, varying in number and length. The spines are typically needle-like, golden at the center and white at the tips, up to 1 cm in length. The central spines, often fewer in number than the radials, can be slightly longer and contribute to the plant’s defense mechanisms against herbivores in its natural habitat. Blooming occurs at the end of winter and the blossoms are borne at the apex of the stem in a ring, forming a crown of flowers. The flowers are relatively small, typically measuring around 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter. Their coloration spans from pale yellow to cream, creating a striking contrast against the green backdrop of the cactus.

Cultivation:

This is a slow growing plant, easy to cultivate. The plant needs a full light sun exposure but is recommended to avoid direct sun-light in the hottest periods. The plant does not like temperatures below 5°C so it needs to be placed indoors in the coldest periods. The soil should be mixed with pumice, clay and loam to allow the drainage and prevent the root rot, the plant is prone to it indeed. Using a perforating pot, you can drain excess water. Watering is very important for this species and should be done well: during the vegetative period you can water the plant (every 7 days), checking that the soil is completely dry before watering again; in winter you should stop the watering to allow the plant to enter dormancy. About fertilization, for this plant is sufficient to fertilize moderately during the growing season with the specific fertilizers for succulents and stop fertilizing during the winter. You should repot the plant every 2 years in a pot 2 cm wider. Repotting should be done early in the growing season with fresh new potting soil. Be careful to red spiders and mealy bugs.

Propagation:

Propagation is commonly achieved through seeds or offsets. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept consistently moist until germination. Offsets, also known as “pups,” can be carefully separated from the parent plant and left to dry before planting in their own containers. Both methods require patience, as cacti are generally slow growers.

Curiosity:

In its natural habitat, this cactus plays a role in the ecosystem by providing shelter for small desert animals seeking refuge from the harsh sun. The tubercles, arranged in a spiral pattern, are not only visually pleasing but also serve a functional purpose, aiding in the plant’s water retention capabilities. The name of the genus come from the Latin word ‘Mammilla’ that means ‘teat’ or ‘nipple’ and refers to the numerous, nipple-shaped tubercles of their stem, that are the distinctive feature of this genus.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

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