Origin and Natural Habitat
Mammillaria prolifera v. texana is native to Texas.
Plant Characteristics
This species has a clustering habit and will form large clumps as it matures. It has brown spines on the areoles, surrounded by soft white filaments, which give it a mild hairy appearance.
Care Guide
Light
This particular Mammillaria is not fussy. It can tolerate full morning sun if carefully adjusted to it, but a plant grown in some shade or a newly replanted specimen should not be placed in full sun immediately. It is best to grow them under 40% shade cloth.
Soil
Mammillaria prolifera v. texana prefers a gritty, inorganic soil medium that drains well, such as Ibaraki Akadama or Hyuga pumice.
Water
You should thoroughly soak the soil when watering. Only water this species in the spring and summer growing season, and keep dry in winter. Watering this plant in winter will cause it to rot.
Pot size
Mammillaria prolifera v. texana have individually small stems, but form very large clusters when mature. Small plants can be grown in 10cm pots until they start to grow near the edges of the pot, at which point they can be moved to larger pots. In a greenhouse, this species grows well in a hanging basket, and in summer rainfall areas will do well in a rock garden.
Temperature
This species’ ideal temperature ranges between 20 – 30°C. It can tolerate 5 – 35°C. It is sensitive to frost.
Humidity
Mammillaria prolifera v. texana are sensitive to high levels of humidity, particularly during winter. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during autumn or winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Mammillaria prolifera v. texana grow actively in spring and summer, and are fully dormant in autumn and winter.
In South Africa, their growing season is from September until late March.
Propagation
Mammillaria are best propagated from seed or offsets.
Seed germination: Seeds should be sown in early spring. Plant them in a coco peat based mix in an airtight container. Once most of the seeds have germinated, remove the lid of the container to allow airflow. Gently mist the seedlings every few days so that the soil does not dry out.
Stem propagation: Using a sharp, clean knife, cut one of the stems of the Mammillaria from the main stem. Let this dry for 10 days, then plant it.
