Mammillaria hahniana - Old Lady Cactus

**Morphological Characteristics**

Mammillaria hahniana, commonly known as the "Old Lady Cactus," is a charming and highly popular cactus species in the Cactaceae family, native to central Mexico. It is particularly admired for its dense covering of white, hair-like spines that give the plant a soft, fuzzy appearance, resembling an "old lady" with white hair.

The plant grows as a solitary globular to short cylindrical stem, although older specimens may form small clumps. Each stem reaches about 10-25 cm (4-10 inches) tall and 8-12 cm (3-5 inches) in diameter. Along the tubercles, it bears two types of spines: central spines that are reddish and straight, and radial spines that are fine, white, and hair-like. During the spring, Mammillaria hahniana produces bright pink to purple flowers, typically forming a ring or halo around the top of the plant, adding a vivid splash of color.

**Growth Habits**

Old Lady Cactus is a relatively slow grower but is easy to care for. It maintains a neat, compact shape, making it ideal for pots, succulent gardens, and indoor collections. As it matures, it can produce offsets that cluster around the base, gradually forming attractive groups.

**Maintenance Points**

• Lighting: Prefers bright light to full sun. Outdoors, a sunny location is ideal; indoors, place near a south-facing window where it can receive plenty of light.

• Watering: Water thoroughly during the growing season (spring and summer), allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In winter, water very sparingly to prevent rot.

• Soil: Requires a very well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Adding sand, pumice, or perlite improves aeration and drainage.

• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F). Can tolerate brief light frosts down to about -4°C (25°F) if kept dry.

• Fertilization: Feed once a month during the growing season with a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer suitable for cacti and succulents.

• Potting: Repot every 2-3 years in the spring to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth. Use pots with excellent drainage.

• Humidity: Prefers dry conditions. Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues.

**Reproduction Method**

Mammillaria hahniana can be propagated by seeds or offsets.

1. **Offsets:**

• Selection: Gently remove offsets from the base of the mother plant using a clean, sharp knife.

• Callusing: Allow the offsets to dry and callus for a few days.

• Planting: Place the callused offsets in a well-draining soil mix and water lightly once roots start to develop.

2. **Seeds:**

• Sowing: Sow seeds on the surface of a sterile, well-draining cactus mix.

• Germination: Maintain lightly moist conditions and temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Germination can take several weeks.

• Aftercare: Transplant seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle.

**Additional Tips**

• Pest Control: Watch for pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Treat infestations promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

• Disease Prevention: Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot and fungal infections.

• Flowering Encouragement: To encourage abundant flowering, provide plenty of light, a proper winter dormancy period (cooler, dry conditions), and moderate feeding during the growing season.

• Display: Its fluffy appearance and colorful flowers make it an excellent centerpiece for succulent collections or decorative plantings.

With its delightful fuzzy texture, ease of care, and charming spring flowers, Mammillaria hahniana - Old Lady Cactus is a wonderful addition to cactus and succulent collections, offering both beauty and resilience.