Mammillaria problem
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For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
- juster
- BCSS Member
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- https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
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Mammillaria problem
I cannot work out what has gone wrong with this M. pennispinosa; can't recall seeing anything like it before. Please can anyone help?
Croydon Branch member, growing mainly cacti and Echeverias
- ralphrmartin
- BCSS Research Committee Chairman
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Re: Mammillaria problem
Walked too close to it and got the spines caught in your jumper?
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
-
- BCSS Member
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Re: Mammillaria problem
I’ve had small birds get caught in hooked spine mamms before now. I cannot see if the spines have been pulled off or if they’re just stunted. If pulled off, birds could be to blame?
- juster
- BCSS Member
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- Branch: CROYDON
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Re: Mammillaria problem
Thanks for the suggestions and no, I haven't got it caught in my jumper or anything else, although a perfectly possible explanation. I have had birds in the greenhouse once or twice this year, didn't think they had done any damage, but again a possible explanation. I have taken a close up of the damage and to me the spines look stunted
Perhaps I should just be content that it seems to be growing on OK, but it's a bit of a puzzle.Croydon Branch member, growing mainly cacti and Echeverias
Re: Mammillaria problem
How about a cat or any other animal living in your greenhouse?
Re: Mammillaria problem
How about a cat or any other animal living in your greenhouse? I have had a cat rub itself against a cactus on purpose.
- MikeT
- BCSS Member
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Re: Mammillaria problem
When the areole and spines have been pulled off, they can occasionally re-grow, but for several areoles to be damaged and all regrow seems very unlikely. I think this occurred when these tubercles were growing. I've seen this happen at times on some of my Mammillarias - maybe it's a random thing, maybe it's damage to the growing centre, maybe it's my cultivation.
Mike T
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
- juster
- BCSS Member
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- Branch: CROYDON
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- Location: Surrey
Re: Mammillaria problem
Thanks for sharing your experience Mike and I'm interested that you have had a similar experience. Something in the growing conditions seems to be indicated and I now wonder if the extreme heat has played a part.
Kees we do have a cat but she is banned from the greenhouse, the door is covered by a grill in the summer.
Kees we do have a cat but she is banned from the greenhouse, the door is covered by a grill in the summer.
Croydon Branch member, growing mainly cacti and Echeverias
- jfabiao
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Re: Mammillaria problem
I suspect these fits of spineless growth, in Mammillaria and other genera, may be related to thrips attacks. I'd love to have the time (and means) to verify this.
- Ali Baba
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Re: Mammillaria problem
I'd agree with the thrips idea. Thrips do graze on young spines, usually producing banding on the spines, but if spines are feathery they can reduce the spines to stubs. I have seen this on Mammillaria luethyi.
The other pest that can sometimes do this are earwigs.
The other pest that can sometimes do this are earwigs.