Project Description
Mammillaria elongata
“Ladyfinger cactus”
This cactus is perfect for the beginner’s succulent garden. Its tubes form dense green and orange clusters, with light yellow or pink flowers in the Spring.
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Quick Look:
Full sun to partial shade
Can be grown indoors if given enough light
Typical water needs for a succulent
Plant grows up to 8″ (20 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 12″ (30.5 cm) wide
Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by offsets
Generally non-toxic to humans and animals
Actively grows in Spring and Fall
Also available from Etsy and Leaf and Clay.
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Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Mammillaria elongata “Ladyfinger Cactus”
“Ladyfinger Cactus” is an easy succulent to care for. It is a slow grower, but grows well indoors when given enough light.
Watering
Mammillaria elongata has typical water needs for a succulent. It’s best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
In the winter when it is dormant, water only sparingly, if at all, to prevent rot.
Where to Plant
Mammillaria elongata “Ladyfinger Cactus” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20° F (-6.7° C), it’s best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.
Plant in an area of your garden that gets 4 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere).
How to Propagate Mammillaria elongata “Ladyfinger Cactus”
Cuttings
“Ladyfinger Cactus” can be propagated from cuttings. Use care when taking a cutting. Follow the directions in this post to learn how to handle a cactus safely.
To remove a clump for propagation, you will need nitrile dipped gloves, silicone tongs, and a sharp knife.
Using the tongs, gently pull one of the cylindrical stems away from the main cluster. If you are not able to break it off without pulling up the rest of the plant, use the knife to cut through the stem.
Allow the end of the stem to callous over for several days before placing in well-draining soil.
Pairs Well With
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When should mammalaria elongata be re-potted?
You’ll want to repot when the pot is just a bit too small for the roots of your “Ladyfinger Cactus.” This FAQ will give you more information.