Small cacti are cute. I insist: a cute one. They look great in pots, since you can also plant them in ones that you have designed (or re-designed) yourself. For this reason, Mammillaria vetula it is one of the most popular species.
Proof of this is that it is very, very difficult for it to be missing from any collection: even those who have been caring for these plants for years - myself included - have a specimen! So what are you waiting for to get one? Take a look at this article and be surprised.
How is it?
Mammillaria vetula ssp gracilis
Mammillaria vetula is the scientific name of a endemic cactus of Guanajuato, Hidalgo and Querétaro in Mexico. It was described by Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius and published in Novorum Actorum Academia Caesareae Leopoldinae-Carolinae Germanicae Naturae Curiosorum 1832 the year.
It is characterized by developing spherical or cylindrical green stems that reach a height of up to 10 centimeters. The areolas may or may not have a little wool, and from them arise the white, straight and sharp spines 3 to 10 millimeters long.
The flowers are light yellow and up to 17 millimeters long. Once they are pollinated, the fruit matures, which is white to greenish in color and inside which we will find very small black seeds.
What are their cares?
Mammillaria vetula ssp gracilis cv Arizona Snowcap
This is a cactus that needs to be located in full sun to be able to have a good growth. It will only be necessary to keep it in semi-shade for a short period of time if it has been raised in a greenhouse, protected from the star king. But in addition, you will have to receive one or two irrigations per week during the summer, and another every 15 or 20 days the rest of the year.
From the beginning of spring to the end of summer / beginning of autumn, it is highly recommended to fertilize it with a liquid fertilizer for cacti, following the indications specified on the product packaging. In this way, it will be able to develop well and flourish year after year.
And by the way, although it is a small plant, the Mammillaria vetula it will require a transplant every 2-3 years. More than anything, the substrate will have to be partially renewed - which can be a universal growing substrate mixed with 30% perlite.
For the rest, you have to know that it resists up to -3ºC.