Mammillaria melaleuca

Mammillaria melaleucaMammillaria melaleuca is a low growing cactus with large, bright yellow flowers. The most obvious characteristic for associating it with Dolichothele are the prominent tubercles and the comparatively larger yellow flowers than those of the average. Habit: The plants in habitat stay solitary for a long time and clusters only after several years if at all. In cultivation it clusters readily forming large mounds in a few year. Root: Taproot, merging with

Mammillaria melaleuca is a low-growing cactus with large, bright yellow flowers. The most obvious characteristic for associating it with Dolichothele are the prominent tubercles and the comparatively larger yellow flowers than those of the average.

Habit: The plants in habitat stay solitary for a long time and clusters only after several years if at all. In cultivation it clusters readily forming large mounds in a few year.

Root: Taproot, merging with stem forming a stout tuberous rootstock.

Stems: Globose, about 10 cm height, bright-green, without milky sap.

Cultivation and Propagation: Mammillaria melaleuca is an easy plant, recommended for any collection that needs lots of light with ample airflow.

Growth rate: Fairly slow growing, but will produce clumps in several years. Stays neat in appearance as it offsets, with none of the irregularities associated with some other members of the Subgenus Dolichothele. it can fill a 25 cm pot given the best conditions.

Soils: It likes very porous standard cactus mix soil with little organic matter (peat, humus). This species benefits from a more open potting mix
Watering: Water regularly in summer, but do not overwater (very wet-sensitively, especially in light of its succulent root system). Its roots are easily lost in pots that stay damp for any length of time. Keep dry with ample airflow in winter. In the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!! Care must be taken with watering as they tends to become swollen and untidy in growth habit if given too much water and shade.
Hardiness: Reputedly sensitive to frost , but less so if kept on the dry side prior to, and during, cold weather (hardy to -5° C for short periods). However some warmth throughout the year will increase the grower's success (minimum 5° to 8°C during rest season).

Exposition: Outside bright sun, filtered sunlight or afternoon shade, inside it needs bright light, and some direct sun. Subject to sunburn if exposed to direct sun for too long. Tends to bronze in strong light, which encourages flowering and heavy wool and spine production.

Uses: It is an excellent plant for container growing. It always looks good and stays small. It look fine in a cold greenhouse and frame.

Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz