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Description:
Plants usually solitary, occasionally forming small clumps.
Stems: Spherical to depressed cylindrical, 2 - 4 (8) cm high and in
diameter. Without latex. Axil: Naked
Radial spine: ± 25, flexible, chalky or dirty white, pectinately
arranged and flattened against the stem surface, to 5 mm long.
Central spine: Not present.
Flower: Yellow to yellowish white, to 14 (25) mm long.
Fruit: Greenish, half-retained within the plant, barely protuding
above the spines.
Propagation: Direct sow after last frost. (seldom
produces offsets)
Cultivation: Slow growing, this plant is very rot prone and
temperamental when cultivated on its own roots, but it is easy
to grow if grafted. Mammillaria solisioides has a fairly
large tap root, and should be kept in a deep pot with a very draining
mineral substrate. Watering during the active growing season (spring and
summer), this will encourage steady growth. But be careful with
watering, which all thick rooted species require (rot sensitive). Keep
dry during the winter rest.
Fertilize every 2 weeks with diluted high potassium fertilizer when the
plant is in bud. Light shade or full sun exposures.
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