Owl Eye Cactus

Origin

Central Mexico

Family

Cactaceae

Description

Mammillaria Perbella has a symmetrically globose at first, later cylindric, with a depressed apex , a bluish green colour stem which rarely exceeds 6-8 cm of height.

The apical aureoles have 14-26 silk radial thorns,white, 2-4 mm long, and two more rigid central thorns, 4-6 mm long,the upper being slightly longer, initially reddish, later tending to the white . The high number of redials thorns and the closeness of tubercles renders its surface thickly covered by white thorns

The flowers are small, funnel form, 10-12 mm long and in diameter, purplish pink with darker mid stripe.

Environment

Mammillaria species like most cacti they're drought tolerant and need very little care and attention to grow well . Plenty of sunshine will keep this cacti more than happy. Provide bright, even light to encourage tight growth and flowering. Some shade during a hot summers day can be helpful to prevent sunburn.

Allow the soil mix to become nearly dry between watering, but then water thoroughly. Suspend watering in the winter, but mist occasionally. Not enough sunlight and over-watering are common mistakes.

Use pot with good drainage and a very porous potting media.

Feed every 4 weeks with a high potassium fertiliser during summer

Landscape Uses

Suited for window sill and dish gardens