Also known as Bouquet Cactus · Nipple Plant · Stachellos
Mammillaria polythele is a small, clumping cactus with numerous, often spirally arranged tubercles. It produces small, delicate flowers and is a popular ornamental.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect sunlight
75% intensity
Can tolerate some direct sun, but protect from intense afternoon heat
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings
50% intensity
Reduce watering significantly in winter
Well-draining cactus mix
50% intensity
Warm to moderate
50% intensity
Ideal range 18-25°C; can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter for dormancy
Indoor, Outdoor
50% intensity
During growing season only
25% intensity
Use diluted cactus fertilizer
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the potting mix is completely dry. Inadequate watering can lead to shriveling.
Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months, allowing the soil to dry out completely between infrequent waterings to prevent root rot.
Pruning is generally not required for Mammillaria polythele. If offsets become too crowded or a stem needs to be removed for propagation or aesthetic reasons, use a clean, sharp knife.
Allow cuts to callus before replanting.
Offsets (pups) can be carefully removed from the parent plant with a clean knife. Allow the offsets to callus over for a few days to a week before planting them in well-draining cactus soil.
Water sparingly until roots develop.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot, preferably in spring. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid water retention issues.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mammillaria Polythele (Mammillaria polythele)
Where Mammillaria Polythele (Mammillaria polythele) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Mammillaria |
| Species | Mammillaria polythele |
Similar in genus Mammillaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
