cultivation advice

[spikeygranny]

I have a single stem cactus that has grown to 24cm, possibly an Echinocactus but with a strong growth shape the spines are on spirals round the stem. It's quite a fat plant but narrower at the top where the new growth is so I'm wondering whether it needs more water to help it swell to the same size asthe rest of the stem but I'm worried it will rot if I add too much water. So my question is how often do I water it and how much each time?

[iann]

It's a Mammillaria. I don't think it needs water really. The shape, if anything, is a little tall from too little light. Some Mammillarias are expected to grow this tall, but I suspect this particular one should be closer to globe-shaped. At a guess, M. spinosissima.

[el48tel]

I'd agree it looks like Mammillaria spinosissima.

[RayW]

Thats three votes for M. spinosissima.
They do grow very tall before leaning over and growing back down to the ground. ( and if truth be known, are quite ugly by then).

[jerryb23]

Based on the golden spines I would vote for Mamm Pringlei. I think Mamm Spinosissima has browner spination. Either way, I agree it it doesn't need watering. The body needs to be allowed to tighten up and regain a more normal shape.

[spikeygranny]

Oh dear that's all rather gloomy - but thank you everyone for the comments. I'm a bit baffled because the plant has never been globe shaped, it has always been tall, always been in full sun, including spells outside, so never short of light and has been given very little water. I repotted it recently and the roots were good, there was no sign of rotting, collapsing or leaning over into ugliness. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how it goes.

[el48tel]

I'd not worry. I have a few M spinosissima acquired from different sources. None have ever been globular. Like all children .... they differ from one another.

[spikeygranny]

I'd not worry. I have a few M spinosissima acquired from different sources. None have ever been globular. Like all children .... they differ from one another.

Thank you, that's cheered me up no end!

[el48tel]

I'd not worry. I have a few M spinosissima acquired from different sources. None have ever been globular. Like all children .... they differ from one another.

Thank you, that's cheered me up no end!

[spikeygranny]

I'd not worry. I have a few M spinosissima acquired from different sources. None have ever been globular. Like all children .... they differ from one another.

Thank you, that's cheered me up no end!

So would you suggest that I give it no water at all, if so how long for?