Naked Lady Ball Cactus
mammillaria sphaerica
Also known as: ["Naked Lady Cactus","Globular Cactus"]
Overview
A small, globular cactus with white spines and pink flowers, native to Mexico.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Mammillaria |
| Botanical Name: | Mammillaria sphaerica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot near bright window or outdoor in rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or coarse sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when offsets become crowded.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only offsets or damaged sections.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or direct sunlight for 4–6 hours daily; adjust to avoid scorching in intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak midday hours in summer; place indoors near south-facing window if outdoors is too harsh.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries out between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
fast-draining cactus mix with added perlite or pumice
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soils; top-dress with gravel for extra drainage.
Temperature
Prefers 70–85°F (21–29°C) during active growth; tolerates 50–60°F (10–15°C) in winter dormancy.
Avoid drafty areas; maintain stable temperatures; protect from frost.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced cactus fertilizer, none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups);Offsets are the most reliable method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy offset or cutting.
- Let cut end dry for 1–2 days.
- Plant in well-draining medium.
- Water sparingly until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), humid (50–60%), bright indirect light with good air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Offsets may root in 2–4 weeks; cuttings may take 4–8 weeks to root and establish.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Do not overwater new cuttings; provide bottom heat if possible; keep out of direct sun until established.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools to detach offsets or snip damaged parts; allow cut surfaces to callous before replanting.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing offsets for propagation or removing damaged/dead parts.
Tools
Clean, sharp knife or pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; remove offsets carefully; allow cuts to dry; replant offsets if desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant carefully; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; wait a week before watering.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; offsets may need separating to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; avoid watering immediately after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess to prevent root rot; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply during active growing season (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce frequency to monthly or less in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial cactus mix to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or yellowing in cold stress; wilting or sunburn spots in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root damage or rot if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C) for prolonged periods.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pot with bubble wrap; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Can lead to sunburn, dehydration, or etiolation if exposed to excessive heat without adequate water or shade.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use evaporative cooling methods like misting nearby air.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during growing season (spring-summer), none in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicMammillaria sphaerica is not considered toxic to cats. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to mechanical irritation from spines, but no toxic compounds are present.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicMammillaria sphaerica is not considered toxic to dogs. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to mechanical irritation from spines, but no toxic compounds are present.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicThe spines of Mammillaria sphaerica can cause mechanical irritation upon contact, but there are no known toxic compounds that pose a significant health risk to humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Mammillaria sphaerica?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during winter.
Q: Does this cactus need full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright, direct sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Can Mammillaria sphaerica be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it is well-suited for indoor cultivation as long as it receives adequate light.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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