Monday, April 21, 2008

Mammillaria melanocentra


Mammillaria melanocentra is one cactus that likes plenty of root room, unlike many cacti that prefer to be confined or crowded. It will grow rapidly if regularly repotted to a larger pot to accommodate the roots. If it gets crowded in the pot, its appearance will deteriorate, and become dull.

M. melanocentra has a black central spine that can grow to about two inches long. Notice the nest of black spines in the top center. Melanocentra means exactly that—black center. No mystery associated with this species name!

5 comments:

 gmirage said...

So its not advisable to have this at home right? I guess outside where it can grow as it like is ok. Have a nice week!

Pudgeduck said...

How many times have you repotted ? Will you ever plant it in your garden? I love the black spines.

Julie said...

Can it take full sun, and how large would it get in your garden???

beckie said...

This one looks dangerous! :) I do like the flowers though.

Aiyana said...

This cactus is good in landscapes in USDA Zones 8b-10. It can be grown as a windowsill specimen, but needs very strong south light. If so far north that daylight is short part of the year, grow lights are necessary. It needs to be about the size shown before it will bloom.
I've repotted three times so far. This pot will be good until next spring. I would try this in the garden, but it needs light shade in Phoenix in summer, and I don't have any more room under suitable trees. It needs full sun everywhere else but Phoenix. It can grow to about 6-8 inches wide.