Publication: Mammillaria Postscripts 7: 3 1998
Origin and Habitat
Mammillaria brandegeei subs. lewisiana occurs in the northern Vizcaino Desert.
Cultivation and Propagation
Mammillaria brandegeei subsp. lewisiana is slow-growing, and not especially easy to grow, but some plants will offset readily, and clumps can be produced in a few years.
Soil: Use pot with good drainage and a very porous mineral-based potting mix.
Waterings: Potted plants are quite wet-sensitive, especially in light of its small root system. Water sparingly during the growing season, keep very dry in winter.
Fertilization: Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer.
Hardiness: Usually it is recommended to overwinter this plant in a bright and warm greenhouse with at least 8-10° C, but it has proved to be quite frost resistant (if kept dry, it’s hardy as low as -5° C).
Exposure: Strong light is required for flowering.
Propagation: Direct sow after last frost, or use cuttings.