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Mammillaria is arguably the most popular cactus genus in cultivation. Mammillarias have extremely variable spination from species to species, and eye-catching flowers, making them specifically attractive for cactus hobbyists. Most Mammillaria plants are considered easy to cultivate. The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the Cactaceae family, with currently over 200 known species and varieties recognized. Mammillarias are native to Mexico, southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. The first was described by Carolus Linnaeus as Cactus mammillaris in 1753, deriving its name from Latin mammilla, "nipple", referring to the tubercles that are one of the plant's specific features.
Mammillaria compressa commonly known as Mother of Hundreds is an easily clustering and easily flowered species. It is one of the largest of all the Mammillarias. Most plants will offset readily, and huge clumps can be produced in a very few years. It is a fast growing species which requires regular irrigation in summer but should be left to go dry between watering. For best results use a pot with good drainage and a very porous growing media. Keep it dry in winter and feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer. It is quite frost resistant if kept dry, hardy as low as -12°C. Outdoors in the garden it thrives on full sun or afternoon shade, inside it needs bright light, and some direct sun. This is an easily clustering and easily flowered species. Most plants will offset readily, and clumps can be produced in a few years. |