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Miniature cacti have become increasingly popular in late years , andEpithelantha micromeris(ep - ith - el - LAN - tha my - kroh - MER - is ) is among those arise star .
A perennial of theCactaceaefamily , it has the large-minded native range of its seven sibling , spanning Arizona , New Mexico , northeastern Mexico , and Texas .
In botanical band , it ’s sometimes refer to asEpithelantha micromerisvar.micromerisorMammillaria micromeris , although several common names , including : more usually cognize it
A comparatively easy cactus to grow , it can still be a little more difficult than many other succulent due to its tiny sizing and foresighted life .
Epithelantha Button Cactus Care
Size & Growth
These petite , behind - growing cacti have a small , rounded shank that be given to measure out 2 ” in tall and just over 1 ½ ” inches wide .
However , sometime plants may get to cluster through outgrowth , lead in much larger clump of as many as 100 head word .
They ’re famed for having a thick level of stellate gray to white spur that nearly obstruct out all traces of the immature skin underneath .
Despite its tiny size , this nanus cactus has a long taproot .
Flowering and Fragrance
Mulatto generally blooms between February and April , give rise tiny pallid pinkish flowers or sometimes pinkish - yellow , red , or white .
valuate up to ½ ” inch across , the blooms occur atop the cactus on the former year ’s ontogenesis amidst a route of wool , resulting in a ring or aura of flowers .
The flush give path to fruits that stretch vertically and become a undimmed red people of colour once ripe .
Both the flowers and fruit are edible .
Light & Temperature
When plant outside , these little cacti prefer full sun , requiring at least 8 hours of exposure per day .
The plant adapts quickly to fond shade or dappled sunlight in tropical regions where the sun can get particularly rough .
Indoors , a sunny window is idealistic and generally require no shade .
government note : The plant is susceptible to fungal infections when the humidity rise about 80 % per centum , so aim for a spot where it will get modest to moderate humidity levels .
While it can deal temperatures cool than tropic succulent , this subtropical plant is still considered stale illiberal and will go bad if exposed to temperature of 15 ° degrees Fahrenheit or below .
Outdoors , Epithelantha may be planted in USDA hardiness zones 8b to 11b .
Indoors , target for a temperature range of 64 to 79 ° degrees Fahrenheit .
Watering and Feeding
This plant can be hypersensitive to bear water , even more so than other succulents .
For this reason , it ’s best to bind to the soak - and - juiceless method and take the full term more literally .
Allow the soil to dry completely before tearing ( you’re able to check out via the drainage holes ) .
Using room temperature rainwater or distilled water , slowly pour , so the soil has time to gazump it up and stop when you see seepage from the drainage holes .
intermission lachrymation during winter , so the industrial plant has a prospect to rest .
Another difference from most succulents is that button cacti postulate very little fertilizer .
You should run it at least once per year using a mild , balanced liquid fertiliser .
However , you may take to flow it once per season , break in winter for optimum growth .
Soil & Transplanting Ping Pong Ball Cactus
Your Ping River pong ball cactus demand a land with more sand than many other succulents .
Add some coarse sand or bother to your favorite cactus potting mix to ensure plenty of air pocket .
A neutral pH is preferred for optimum growth but not necessary .
Button cacti seldom take repotting , although you may wish well to do so once every three or so years during the summertime .
It requires a deep container due to its long taproot .
Be sure the soil has altogether dried out before sliding the cactus and its soil out of the pot .
lightly knock all supernumerary stain from the root and slay any diseased theme with a penetrative , sterile knife .
You ’ll desire to treat any cuts with fungicide due to the plant ’s sensitivity to water .
in conclusion , place the cactus into the flock and backfill fresh grime over the base a little minute at a time , spreading the roots out as you go .
Avoid water for a week to reduce the risk of root rot ready in .
Grooming And Maintenance
This plant call for no sustainment , although you may choose to remove puppy for propagation purposes .
How To Propagate Tapone
The fruit incorporate modest pitch-black seeds that may be harvested and seeded , although the more democratic propagation method acting is by dividing the pup .
Ping Pong Ball Cactus Pests or Diseases
While slightly drouth - patient of , this plant life is highly raw to standing water and easily develops fungal infection or putrefaction .
It has very few plague , although both succulent mealybugs and nematodes can become baffling .
The industrial plant itself is non - toxic to humans and ducky , although the spines may cause some skin irritation .
Epithelantha Micromeris Uses
Button cacti are perhaps best known for being well-to-do to care for houseplant that seem great in containers and hanging basket .
However , they are also perfect for rock gardens and as part of a cactus or succulent collection .
The fruit and heyday are edible , consecrate the plant more than a uncomplicated visual charm .
