Mammillaria prolifera (Little Candles, Silver Cluster Cactus, Strawberry Cactus, Texas Nipple Cactus, West Indian Nipple Cactus)
Botanical Information
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Mammillaria |
| Species | prolifera |
| Synonyms | Cactus proliferus (basionym), Neomammillaria prolifera |
| Category | Tropicals |
| Origin | Eastern to Southeastern Mexico and Cuba. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 9b - 11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H3 - H1c |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°F) | 10 |
| Height | 0.3 m |
| Spread | 0.3 - 0.5 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | June, July, August |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Mounding. |
| Landscape | In potted succulent collections, as an outdoor potted patio plant or in a small rock garden. |
| Propagation | By offsets. |
| Cultivation | Plant in full sun in extremely well-draining cactus mix, gravelly or sandy soil. Repot annually to encourage growth. |
| Notable Specimens | The Gardens of Fanshawe College, Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada (in potted collection). Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Arid deserts among rocks and throughout rocky outcroppings. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Globose stems that measure up to 10 cm long and 5 cm wide that are covered in wooly spines. |
| Flower Description | A solitary cup-shaped bloom per growth located near the crown, measuring approximately 2 cm long and 1 cm wide. |
| Fruit Description | Small ovate to cylindrical fruit, measuring approximately 0.5 cm long and 0.1 cm in diameter. |
| Colour Description | Deep green succulent flesh, tan to white spines, orange-red fruits and cream flowers fading to a gentle yellow. |
| Texture Description | Coarse. |
Photographs
Mammillaria prolifera, Form
Mammillaria prolifera, Flower
Mammillaria prolifera, Form (2)