Unusual and quirky plants have become a new staple in the indoor gardening arena over recent years. For the beauty of them, for the unique shape they have and how easy is to care one houseplant is becoming less neglect at all. One plant in particular is excelling because of its playful appearance and easy maintenance the Boobie Cactus.
This funny plant has an amusing nickname but it also a unique shape that draws everyone’s eyes. This cactus has an odd cresting growth pattern that makes it unique from what most people think of as the stereotypical prickly desert plant. Its adorable little breast-like tubercles have made it for a popular choice among plant lovers,that is both an eye candy and conversation starter.
Whether you are a seasoned cactus fan or just getting started with indoor plants, this guide will tell you all that there is to grow and care for the Boobie Cactus at your home.
What is the Boobie Cactus?
Mammillaria elongata boobie cactus is a heavily cultivated variation of Elongated Pincushion or Ladyfinger Cacti from Central Mexico. The regular form of Mammillaria elongata is usually clustering cylindrical tones whereas ‘Cristata’ grows only crested. This unique form results in rounded, chest-like secondments that have actually provided it the vivacious name “Boobie Cactus.
Its name might cause you to giggle but the Boobie Cactus can bring some BOOBY TOONS prize winning appeal to your home! From an aesthetic standpoint, its bold design comes in a small package that translates well to your home or office. And like most cacti, it is very low maintenance and doesn’t require much care – perfect for busy or novice plant fountains.
First, I am going to take you through everything that a unique cactus like this needs from its story and origins all the way until how to help it thrive in your indoor garden.
Origins and Natural Habitat
The Boobie Cactus or Mammillaria elongata ‘Cristanta’ comes from the arid regions of central Mexico. Mammillaria elongata, the parent species of this popular cactus cultivar is native to arid environments, and grows naturally in rocky terrain under full sun and on poor soils. Its adaption to arid conditions in fact, facilitates storing of water in its stem which makes it a drought-tolerant plant.
The term crestedats means that the stem of this cactus is becoming a fan shape, instead of growing in an ordinary cylinder form. Somehow when growth tip is inflicted or failed normal development crestata growth appears and it called mutation. Crested cacti forms are often rare in nature, but have since been popularized as a result of their unique sculptural quality and growing habits.
Appearance and Growth Pattern
The most unique aspect of the Boobie Cactus is its curvy, sensual design. These are the crested form which forces the cactus to grow in strange, often spiral-type patterns with its tell-tale rounded bump-like breasts.
While their shape may be different, the size of these tubercles can range form a tiny button to covering whole surface and giving soft-rosette plant with dense mat made out of thorns or spines mixed with round-soft bumps.
The spines on the Boobie Cactus are so pale, they must be almost white in color and it makes the plant look overall very fluffy from a distance. Nonetheless, much like most cacti is sure to treat it with care since those spines may get sharp up close.
Size-wise, the Boobie Cactus is still fairly small. Grow to less than 12 inches high and are ideal right on a bookshelf or adding character in larger succulent collections.
Boobie Cactus Care
The Boobie Cactus is prized among houseplants for because it is low maintenance. As with all cacti, it needs little care and is a perfect choice for people with less time or even those who are not yet plant experts.
1. Light Requirements
Boobie Cactus requires its growing environment to be as most succulents’ do which is bright and indirect light. In its natural desert habitat, it grows under full sun so you need to provide as much light as possible. This cactus is perfect to put on a sunny windowsill, particularly if it faces east or south and receives sunshine for several hours each day.
The Boobie Cactus can thrive in lower light conditions, but it should be placed where direct sunlight or very little light is not blocked. Leggy growth due to lack of sunlight and the plant as a whole may get weak over time.
2. Watering Schedule
The Boobie Cactus is a drought-resistant cactus, as we all know many species of this plant are. Indoor cacti, in particular, can die from overwatering if soggy soil causes root rot.
To prevent that, just water the Boobie Cactus when its soil is bone dry. In warmer months, water it about once every 2-3 weeks. In the winter keep watering to a minimum: once per month or even less as this will be their dormant period.
Remember to use a pot with drainage holes as these plants do not like soggy soil. Drain any remaining water fully and put the plant back in its original position.
3. Soil and Potting Mix
As all cactus do, the Boobie Cactus prefers a well-draining soil mix. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is planned to replicate arid, sandy conditions the plant usually just like. Or, if you like to create your own blend likely the less expensive option mix together equal amounts of regular potting soil with coarse sand and perlite for proper drainage.
A pot with a drainage hole will keep water from pooling in the soil and creating an environment where root rot can develop. Because they allow for more air and moisture evaporation, terra cotta pots are well-suited to cacti.
4. Temperature and Humidity
Most cacti are ideal for the sunny, low-humidity climate of our great desert southwest, and Boobie Cactus is no exception. This plant prefers a temperature between 60°F and 80° F but will tolerate short periods of below freezing temperatures as long at is stays above the mid low in range, which would be close or on freezing point so around 40oFahrenheit.
Cacti are already hold-overs from desert environments, so you do not have to be concerned with creating a perfect atmosphere for them indoors. But avoid steamy rooms like the bathroom; it will promote plant rot with too high moisture in the air.
Crappy Cactuss Poop for Fertilizing Your Boobie
Cactus are low feeders but assist Boobie Cactus growth by giving a balanced fertilizer during the growing phase. Provide a monthly dose of cactus fertilizer, or forage on balanced liquid diluted to half-strength. Do not fertilize during the cactus dormant months of fall and winter.
Common Problems and Solutions
However, as uncomplicated as the Boobie Cactus is to care for it can encounter some problems if its requirements are not met. So what are the common problems and how to you fix them?
Overwatering: As stated before waterlogged conditions can cause root rot. Your cactus is getting mushy at the base Gently remove the plant from its pot and eliminate any decomposing parts, then set it in new dry dirt to restore.
Cooked Alive in the Sun: This sun-loving cactus is actually prone to getting a little crispy even when it receives too much direct sunlight, especially during peak heat hours. Are there brown or white spots on the cactus of your house?
Interesting Boobie Cactus Trivia
Among plant collectors, the Boobie Cactus has gone through quite a few stages of popularity, primarily thronging to lovers not only for its looks but also because it is so rare. This is less common in the tall form than ceanothus, but interesting.
This would make a fun cactus to gift, especially if you have friends who like novelty plants. It’s a great icebreaker when you have guests over, and it brings character to the space.
Conclusion
A fusion of funny, cute and care level the Boobie Cactus belongs on every windowsill. This cactus is excellent for plant newbies and seasoned enthusiasts alike, as it has a unique shape that requires little to no maintenance. The hilarious-looking Boobie Cactus is bound to amuse you, as well make your home a little bit more desert-like in appearance.
After reading the care information provided in this article, your proud little Boobie Cactus will be thriving and become a wonderful center piece for years to come on top of that coffee table.
