Flowering Mammillaria in Dec

[BeauRog]

Hello,

My Mammillaria prolifica is starting to bloom. I noticed it yesterday. I have it inside in a relatively warm area. I haven't watered it since the beginning of November hoping it would go dormant. Should I water it? It's not getting near enough light to prevent it from becoming etiolated.

Thank you,
Beau

[iann]

If it isn't getting enough light then best not to water it unless it gets severely dehydrated. Try and find a cooler spot, but anywhere that is human-habitable will usually be too warm.

[greenknight]

I agree - my Mamm. rhodantha ssp. pringlei has had a few flowers lingering into December at times, in the cold, but starting to bloom now is a sign it's too warm. Mamm. prolifera should have fruits on it all year 'round, but not flowers.

[iann]

M. prolifera is tropical. It doesn't know much about winter and will happily flower right through if it is kept warm and watered. If you don't think you've been watering, remember that a drink two or three months ago could easily be sufficient to keep it flowering in December.

[greenknight]

True, they grow in tropical conditions, though they don't require them. They have a wide range - Texas, Mexico, the Caribbean. But in the north there's less light in winter, I'd be concerned that it could become etiolated if it's not dormant. If it had strong artificial light it would certainly be ok, but normal room lighting wouldn't help much.

[BeauRog]

Thank you all for the advice. I last watered it in October. I haven't noticed any new growth so I assumed it was dormant. I don't have a cold place to put it, so it looks like the flowers are going to happen. Maybe it knew my birthday is coming up and wanted to give me a present .

[greenknight]

As long as it's not making any weak, stretched-out growth it should be fine. So, happy birthday!

[oldcat61]

I have several mamms blooming now but then my GH is always 50 or above at night & often quite warm when sunny. I water lightly all winter. It's what works for you, Sue