Mammillaria decipiens subsp. camptotricha

Mammillaria decipiens subsp. camptotricha

Family: Cactaceae
Common Name: bird's nest cactus
Origin: While Mammillaria decipiens is found in several eastern Mexican states, the camptotricha subspecies is endemic only to the deserts of eastern Queretaro.
Description: Mammillaria decipiens subsp. camptotricha is a low growing cactus that is small, with flattened stems and elongated tubercles. The spines are very long and twisted, completely enveloping the body of mature plants. In late summer or early autumn, insignificant white flowers may emerge through the mat of yellow spines, followed by red fruits and large quantities of seeds.

Interesting Features: The color of stems are highly variable, as exposure to strong sunlight will lead to red growth, while cacti sited in shade will develop pale-green stems instead.
Uses: The bird’s nest cactus is widely utilized in cultivation for its unique appearance that resembles a bird’s nest – hence the common name. No specific ethnobotanical uses of the subspecies are known. However, historically, the Mammillaria genus has been used to treat earache, dysentery, and as a snake repellant, insecticide, and poison.

Cultivation and Care:

Watering: Moderate
- Water moderately during the summer, when soil is dry. However, be very careful to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to swollen, untidy growth and root rot. During the winter, cease irrigation, provide ample air-flow, and zero atmospheric humidity to avoid plant death.
Soil: Provide the bird’s nest cactus with light, well-draining cactus or succulent soil with 70-80% mineral grit – such as pumice, perlite, or coarse sand. Avoid soil that contains peat or hummus, and maintain a pH between 6.1 and 7.8.
Lighting: M. decipiens subsp. camptotricha requires partial sunlight and afternoon shade if siting outdoors. For indoor plants, bright light and direct sun are required in order to prevent unhealthy growth. However, take care not to expose to direct sun for too long, as this can lead to sunburn.
Propagation: Propagation is possible through woody stem cuttings, offsets, and seed. Remove cuttings during spring to summer and allow to dry for one week before planting into soil. Offsets readily appear from mature plants, and can be grown in containers once roots have developed. For seed, sow during the spring, keeping the soil moist and covered by glass or plastic, which should be removed once a day for good air-flow. Do not expose young plants to direct sunlight.
Cold Tolerance: 30°F, USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11.
Special Accomodations: To prevent swollen, untidy growth, take care not to overwater the bird’s nest cactus or grow in extensive shade. Feed during the summer months with a potassium and phosphorus rich fertilizer that does not include nitrogen, as supplementation can lead to softened growth.

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