The Mammillaria schiedeana Cactus: A Resilient Masterpiece

Mammillaria schiedeana cactus

Mammillaria schiedeana, Mammillaria schiedeana how I love thee...  A most perfect cactus, Mammillaria schiedeana is endemic to Mexico and features an intriguing and luminescent cobweb of white and golden yellow spines that are surprisingly soft to the touch.  A slow growing cactus that forms a crown of small white flowers several times throughout the year, Mammillaria schiedeana is definitely one of nature's more resilient, yet delicate masterpieces.

I mean just look at this!!  Perfection:

Like most cacti, this little guy is very drought tolerant and prefers periods of drought between water as opposed to prolonged periods of rain.  Here in South Florida, we get a lot of rain, therefore if you don't plan to grow your Mammillaria schiedeana under cover, we suggest planting it in a small container that will dry out quickly - terracotta is the best.  If growing indoors or under a covered area, make sure to water thoroughly once every one to two weeks to account for the lack of humidity.  We have grown this cactus indoors on a sunny West-facing windowsill and it does just fine.

As for seeds, Mammillaria schiedeana pops out these gorgeous hot neon pink pods (see image below) that look like little corn on the cobs, they hang off the side until fully ripe and then fall off.  The tiny black seeds can be harvested from fully ripened pods, properly dried and stored for future planting.  Plant in moist soil and keep out of direct sunlight.  Although I have harvested several seeds, I have yet to plant them and try my hand at growing cacti from seed.  I plan to start this Spring, I can't wait, I'll let you know how it goes!

I love this little beauty, I want it all throughout my garden...

Its cheerful delicate little flowers bloom often throughout the year and never cease to make me smile!

If you're helplessly in love and want a Mammillaria schiedeana cactus of your own, email me at Catherine@InspireBohemia.com

All images in this post are my personal photographs and are subject to copyright, please email me for permission to reproduce or feature at Catherine@InspireBohemia.com