Lemon Ball Cactus (Mammillaria pringlei-syn. Mammillaria rhodantha subs. pringlei) Plant - Cactuses & Succulents. A remarkable ornamental perennial cactus of small size with an upright form. It is a fast-growing plant, initially appearing as a solitary ball but then its glaucous green stems gradually divides dichotomously. The stems, which are spherical-hemispherical (sometimes cylindrical) in shape, show grooves which are due to small tubercles and are arranged in spirals. In the area (axil) around the bases of the tubercles, white hairs grow protectively. The areoles are borne at the top of the tubercles, from which 18 to 22 radial spines, 5 to 8 mm long, white and spreading parallel to the surface of the stem, grow. The central spines, deep yellow or golden in colour and 2 to 2,5 cm long, are 5 to 7, much more robust and longer than the radial ones, and more or less convex. Here it is worth noting that Lemon Ball Cactus is one of the few species of Mammillaria where the surface is completely covered by the spines. Flowering is long and continuous, as the flowers can appear at any time of the year, but it is mainly observed from early spring to the end of summer. Purple-red flowers grow from the areoles around the top of the stems, forming an impressive ring. The flowers are succeeded by edible, elongated red fruits 12 to 15 mm long. Lemon Ball Cactus (Mammillaria pringlei) is a hardy xerophyte plant suitable for potting, gravel or stony garden soil or rock gardens. It is used in both gardening and landscape architecture to create - among other things - dry landscape compositions (xeriscaping).
► It is offered at a price determined by the particular characteristics of the cactus, such as the size of the pot, its height, and age. Large cacti are also available for sale (and planting) upon prior arrangement. In any case, the price or prices listed are indicative.
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FOLIAGE | - |
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HEIGHT | 0.06 - 0.20 m |
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DIAMETER | 0.06 - 0.15 m |
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EXPOSURE | Sun |
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MINIMUM TEMPERATURES | From -4 to -6.7 °C |
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WATERING | Little |
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SOIL | Light |
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SOIL pH | Acidic to Alkaline (6.1 - 7.8) |
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FLOWERS | Purple-Red |
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FLOWERING SEASON | Early Spring to Late Summer |
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SEASIDE PLANTING | Yes |
Plants | |
Plants Category | Xeriscaping Plants |
Plants Type | Cacti |
Genus | Mammillaria |
Species | pringlei |
Foliage | - |
Leaves Color | - |
Autumn Foliage Color | - |
Color of Flowers | Purple-Red |
Flowering | March - August (& sporadically throughout the year) |
Fragance | No |
Fruit | Red |
Soil | Sand, Rocky, Stony, Excellent Drainage |
pH of Soil | Range: 6.1 - 7.8. Optimum: 6.5-7.5 |
Irrigation | Low, in dry soil or soil mixture |
Thorns | Yes |
Toxicity | The Mammillaria Cactus is not toxic |
Respiratory Allergies | No |
Growth Rate | Rapid |
Plant Uses | The Mammillaria Cactus is used as an indoor and outdoor plant. It is suitable for planting in gardens, in xeriscapes, in rock gardens, in pots, containers and planters. |