Known as the ladyfinger cactus, Mammillaria elongata forms clusters of cylindrical stems with yellow-brown spines, giving plants an overall golden brown appearance. Pink-yellow flowers may appear in spring. Easy to grow, it’s a great cactus for beginners. Its offshoots may be used to propagate new plants.
For best results grow Mammillaria elongata in cactus compost in containers in full sun. Water from mid-spring to summer only, and feed once a month with a special cactus fertiliser.
Mammillaria elongata is best grown as a houseplant but containers may be moved to a sunny, sheltered patio in midsummer.
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Mammillaria and wildlife
Mammillaria has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
