Description
Mammillaria polythele cv. Stachellos (spineless form) is a solitary, columnar upright-growing cultivars, usually erect but sometimes sprawling that looks a bit like a green pine cone, stem blue green with latex up to 8-10 cm in diameter, 30-40 (60) tall. Tubercles Prominent, globular conical clothed in white wool with few or no spines.
Flowers: Many rose to pinkish purple irregularly distributed near crown, up to 10 mm long, 12 mm in diameter, with a very long flowering time from spring to summer, Fruit: Club shaped, red.
Remarks: A rare peculiarity of this plant is that the flowers are produced either from the axil and from the apex of the tubercles too.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)
Cultivation and Propagation
equires excellent drainage provided by porous cactus soil. We suggest repotting every 2-3 years. Prefers bright light and ample airflow. Outside full sun or afternoon shade, inside it needs bright light, and some direct sun. Water the soil abundantly when it is dry to the touch. Allow soil to drain thoroughly before watering again. Do not water much in the winter (Rot prone). Protect from frost. But it’s hardy to -5°C if kept dry. During the beautiful season enrich the soil using a fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorous, but poor in nitrogen, because this chemical element doesn’t help the development of succulent plants, making them too soft and full of water.
Propagation: Direct sow after last frost as it usually don’t braches.
Notes
Stachellos is German for ‘without spines’
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