It has always been a quest for the cactus lovers to find some rare species in their collections, and if you are one of those who are fascinated with bizarre plants: then this Boob cactus quite suitably fits your category. A native of Mexico, where it is known as the biznaga de bola this cactus gets its popular name from the shape of those tubercles.
As much as it might seem like a joke at first sight, the boob cactus stops being funny and starts to be cute when you think of it in terms anything else which buries hooks on their body doing so in little pairs next to each other. It can be an Ideal for those who want something unique, but are also new with growing succulents themselves inside or outside!
I delve into everything you need to know about the boob cactus. Let’s get started!
What is a Boob Cactus?
Biological Name : Mammillaria bombycina The Boob Cactus is one of the 200 recognized species within the genus Mammillaria which makes up on a few hundreds cacti varieties. It is native to Mexico and does well in rocky desert conditions.
Anyway, the reason for this cactus is that it grows in rounded, bloated tubercles arranged like a breast. The tiny mounds are covered with pale white spines; come spring or summer, pink or red flowers crown the plants.
Boob cactus only grows to be around 4-6 inches tall, much smaller than most other common types of cacti so boobs make a great plant for people who live in small apartments. It is also a slow grower so you will not have to change its pot any time soon.
Why I Chose the Boob Cactus?
I have a long love of cacti and succulents for their chill signals and cool shapes. The concept of the boob cactus had me intrigued from square one. The name is hauntingly funny; it was the odd appearance of this plant that first caught my eye and combined with a reputation for being easy to take care.
I went home knowing that if I could get my little hands on one at the local plant shop, it was coming with me. I love it more than I ever imagined and knew so quickly that it would be one of my favorites in the entire house!
Maybe its soft, spiky texture or the parallel lines of nipples that run down both sides make it an absolute delight. Oh and the responses I get from friends when they walk in on it sitting pretty on my window sill, its just priceless!
Boob Cactus Care
Boob cactuses, like most cacti, are easy-to-care-for plants but you must consider a few important points to guarantee that your plant will thrive. I have written about my own experience with growing these weird cacti WITH a few tips to healing it!
1. Light Requirements
It is after all a cacti and we know that they are accustomed to sunlight! I found that it prefers bright, indirect light. Mia and I both keep ours near south-facing windows, where they get light for a significant portion of the day. However we try to make sure it doesn’t sit in view of direct sunlight because over time that can burn your snake plant too so be mindful!
Supplement with grow light. Be sure the cactus receives around 6-8 hours of sunshine per day to promote healthy growth.
2. Watering
Which is one of my very favorite things about cacti, because let me tell you the boob cactus does NOT require water often at all. I water the plant just once every 2-3 weeks during its growing season and it loves participating weekly to a snug soak. Then, in the winter months when the cactus goes dormant I water it about once a month or less if soil feels dry.
Just be sure not to over water and this happy little guy should do well. Someone commented on how pretty the flowers are that grow from a succulent, but for Fuesto they make him look like he IS going through hell! Let it dry out completely between waterings When you do water it, be sure to give the soil a really good soaking and let excess liquid drain out of the bottom.
3. Soil and Potting
Boob cactus, similar to most other types of cacti, requires a sandy soil that drains well. For planting, I mix some sand to break up the soil and extract some organic parts so that I could put in a cactus-specific potting mix. Or make your own mix by mixing potting soil, sand, and perlite in equal parts.
I would like to use terra cotta pots for the reason that they make it easier for the soil to dry out faster. It helps to avoid overwatering, one of the top kills when it comes to caring for succulents.
4. Temperature and Humidity
The boob cactus is from the desert, so it does well in warm and arid environments. Keep the temperature between 60°F and 85°F and keep it away from drafts or cold windows. Mine is kept inside year round but if you live in a warm climate, you can move it outside during the summer and keep bringing it back indoors when temps drop.
On humidity, the boob cactus likes it on the drier side. If the air in your home can be very hot, try to keep where you place your cactus well-ventilated or use a dehumidifier.
5. Fertilizing
Strangely, I found that fertilizing my boob cactus during the growing season helps maintain its health and promotes blooming. Feed half-strength cactus or succulent fertilizer once a month from spring through summer. Fertilization is not necessary during the dormant period in winter.
Boob Cactus Problems and Solutions
Though boob cactus makes a great no-maintenance plant but on their course might face some issues. Common problems and Solutions Service Unavailable Here are some common causes of the error:
- Roots of a boob cactus that are not happy about overwatering as the enemy number one If you see the plant mucous or puffy tubercles turning brown, it may be root rot. If yes, then stop watering it right away and allow the soil to dry thoroughly. If the rot is advanced, you might have to transplant the cactus in new dry soil.
- The boob cactus thrives in sunlight; however sun burn can be unsightly causing white or brown patches to appear on the plant. If this does occur, then simply relocate the cactus to a location where it will receive direct but indirect light and not be in full sun for prolonged;
- Cacti usually suffer from mealybugs or spider mites on occasion. If you find what appear to be small white fuzz, or tiny moving dots on your cactus. Just lightly rub the plant with a cotton swab rubbed in rubbing alcohol will get rid of these pests.
Boob Cactus: Here is My Experience
I have had a great time keeping the boob cactus. Despite the humor it brings to my plant collection in addition, is not that difficult of a care. My yellow Omaruru daisies are starting to fill in, and I look forward to seeing the light pink flowers blooming now that it is warmer.
However, it also happens to be one of those plants that people comment on when they come over, plant person or no.
The quality I appreciate most in the boob cactus is how very resilient it apparently is. It has missed some watering’s, even though I panicked it looked as good as new every time.
Simply, this anatra enjoys a rather substantial bit of benign neglect just my speed as I am, on the odd occasion here and there during busy moments elsewhere in life when I have forgotten to look at watering schedules.
Conclusion
A perfectly low-maintenance cactus, the boob cactus is very fun and provides you with an interesting conversational piece. Providing you take good care of it, your plant will thank you with gorgeous flowers and stand out like a rare gem in years to come.
The boob cactus is the ideal blend of humor meets beauty and ease, accommodating even for those green thumbs that have yet to find their way. And with a little bright light, good soil and regular watering you will discover how easy it is to keep this plant in your home.
