Dolichothele LONGIMAMMA

Dolichothele LONGIMAMMA - Long-Nipple Cactus, Finger Cactus, Dolichothele longimamma, Mammillaria longimamma.

Dolichothele is a genus of small and very attractive plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae), currently included in the genus Mammillaria, yet possessing its own unique appearance and deserving separate description. The genus numbers 13 species.

Representatives of the genus possess a fairly large root system. Sometimes with age plants form multiple stems up to 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter. Dark green stems are initially spherical, branching profusely over time. In external appearance, Dolichothele resemble Mammillaria, but unlike Mammillaria, the entire body of these plants is covered with long tubercles. At the tips of the tubercles are areoles with flexible, slender, white or yellow spines.

From the axils between tubercles around the apex of the cactus emerge funnel-shaped, bell-like flowers 5-6 cm (2.0-2.4 in) in diameter, with long petals of yellow, orange, or white color, greenish externally, possessing a faint pleasant fragrance.

Dolichothele longimamma is a plant that is usually solitary, later beginning to cluster at the base and forming small groups. Stem is spherical, 8-15 cm (3.1-5.9 in) tall and in diameter. Epidermis is glossy green. Tubercles are long, widely spaced, soft, cylindrical, elliptical in cross-section, lacking milky sap. Axils bear sparse wool. Central spines are usually one, sometimes 2-3, occasionally absent, whitish with dark tips, up to 25 mm (1.0 in) long. Radial spines are 8-10, awl-like, straight or slightly curved, white to pale brownish, 12-20 mm (0.5-0.8 in) long. Flowers are funnel-shaped, canary-yellow, 40-60 mm (1.6-2.4 in) long and in diameter. Fruits are spherical to ovoid, yellowish, 10-12 mm (0.4-0.5 in) long.

Seeds are sown into cactus mix diluted by half with sand without burying, moistened with a spray mister, covered with film, and germinated in the light, but not in full sun, at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

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Dolichothele is a very undemanding plant; one need only pay attention to watering frequency and good drainage. Optimal maintenance temperature is 22-24 °C (72-75 °F). It withstands brief frosts down to -5 °C (23 °F) if kept in sufficiently dry soil. For flowering, a dormant rest period is required in winter under good lighting and a temperature of 8-10 °C (46-50 °F).

The cactus must be provided with several hours of direct sunlight daily during morning or evening hours. Light shading during the day is necessary for dolichothele to avoid sunburn. Under good lighting, the plant stems can acquire a reddish hue, whereas plants grown in partial shade have an unhealthy pale green appearance.

In summertime, watering is carried out regularly, but without water standing in the saucer. The top layer of soil should dry out between waterings. During the winter dormant period, watering is reduced so that the root ball merely does not dry out entirely.

The plant likes a very porous mineral substrate for cacti and succulents. One should avoid using organic materials for soil composition, such as peat or humus. During the growing season, soil is enriched with fertilizers high in potassium and phosphorus, and low in nitrogen.

In summer during hot weather, one can mist during morning hours so that water droplets evaporate over the day. It is worth noting that direct sun rays should not hit wet plant stems. It is beneficial to provide good air movement around the plant while avoiding cold drafts.

Repotting is carried out in spring every 2-3 years. It blooms in summer.