Description
The white flowers colouration (depigmentation) is due the absence of the betalain pigments. This pigments are always present in the normal Mammillaria theresae and tinge the flowers and stems of bright magenta/pink.
Origin and Habitat
This rare white blooming variation has been found in the wild.
Cultivation and Propagation
Mammillaria theresae - like the other Mammillarias of the saboae group - is not the easiest of Mammillarias to grow and keep, this is though it is easier than some of its relatives such as Mammillaria goldii. But all this species require similar growing conditions, and a mineral-based potting mix is preferred. They need to be kept dry in winter. Pot plants are quite wet-sensitively. Care must be taken with watering and needs good drainage. Water sparingly during the growing season, keep very dry in winter. But plants grown outdoor seems to tolerate easily the winter wetness. Usually it is recommended to overwinter this plant in a bright and warm greenhouse with at least 8-10° C, but it proved to be quite frost resistant and demonstrated to survive safely outdoor under a cover of snow at a temperatures of -15° C. Sun Exposure: Full sun - Light shade
Propagation: Seeds (if available), cuttings or grafting. Germination of the seed can still prove to be a challenge.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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Edward Anderson “The Cactus family” Timber Press, Incorporated, 2001
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James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey “The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass” Cambridge University Press, 11/Aug/2011
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David R Hunt; Nigel P Taylor; Graham Charles; International Cactaceae Systematics Group. “The New Cactus Lexicon” dh books, 2006
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