Overview
Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens is a clump forming cactus succulent in the genus Mammillaria, part of the Cactaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Mammillaria elongata, the gold lace cactus or ladyfinger cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae, native to central Mexico. Growing to 15 cm (6 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) wide, it consists of densely packed clusters of elongated oval stems, covered in harmless yellow or brown spines, and in spring producing white or yellow flowers.
About the genus
Mammillaria is one of the largest genera in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently about 170 to 190 accepted species and around 99 subspecies. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, while some come from the Southwestern United States, the Caribbean, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras and Venezuela. The common name "pincushion cactus" refers to this genus and the closely related Escobaria.
Wikipedia contributors, "Mammillaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mammillaria
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mammillaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens
- Propagation
- Seed, Offsets
- Pest resistance
- Mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens?
Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens need?
Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens hardy in the UK?
Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens?
Seed, Offsets.
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