Mammillaria candida, commonly known as snowball cactus, is a cactus plant belonging to the Cactaceae family. M. candida is native to northeastern Mexico where it is found growing in hilltops and limestone rock. Mammillaria candida is a medium sized, globose clustering cactus that grows up to 10 inches in height and 8 inches in diameter with a flattened apex. The stem of the plant is pale blue-green in color but is obscured by a dense covering of short white spines. Flowers bloom during spring and form near the center of the plant. Flower color ranges from rose pink to white with a greenish red to cream brown midvein on each petal. M. candida is grown as an ornamental plant for its manageable size and snowball-like appearance. Mammillaria candida grows best in full sun to partial shade while sitting in well-draining soils. Water the plant adequately during summer and keep dry during winter as it is prone to rot. It is a drought-tolerant species and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Allow the soil to completely dry out in between waterings. USDA plant hardiness zones 9a to 11b.
Mammillaria candida seeds require consistent moisture and humidity to germinate, but the soil should not be soaking wet. Cloning boxes, ziplock bags, and other containers that retain humidity are ideal to store sown pots. Use a well-draining sterilized soil mix. Seeds should be sown directly on top of the potting mixture and lightly covered with a thin layer of sand or potting mix, just enough to cover the seeds. Germinating pots should be kept indoors, out of extreme light and heat. Ideal germination temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F. Germination typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING DISCLAIMER:
All packages will be shipped with basic customs information such as; HS codes, VAT numbers, and properly labeled contents. Unfortunately, The Garden of Set is unable to provide phytosanitary certificates for orders at this time. It is the buyer’s responsibility to know local laws regarding the import of plants, seeds, and plant products into their country. It is also up to the buyer to provide any other customs forms or information required to import plants into their country. If packages get stopped by customs, The Garden of Set will not be able to provide a refund for the purchase. Most of the time packages make it to their destinations just fine, this is for the small minority of packages that get stopped without having all the proper customs information required by the country of import. Purchase at your own discretion.