Sun: full sun
Water: Typical water needs for a succulent
Temperature: Zone 9b from 25° F to 30° F (-3.9° C to -1.1° C) to Zone 11b from 45° F to 50° F (7.2° C to 10° C)
Winter Survival: Not cold hardy
Propagation: offsets, seeds
Flower: In the Spring
Flower Type: Yellow
Toxic: Generally non-toxic to humans and animals
Dormant: winter
Space Requirement: Indoors & Outdoors
Common Problems: Plants may rot if overwatered, pests
Basc Care for Mammillaria Candida
Watering
Regular watering period should be every 2 weeks
One simple tip for you is that you can use some online apps to check the soil status before you go water your succulents. I would recommend the ThePlantsCheck app, it has some nice features there.
Fertilizing
Only feed this succulent during its active growing seasons which means Unknown - Tell us. Use the right fertilizer applied in the right amounts. Applying half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so is recommended for optimal results.
Do not fertilize during winter as the plant is dormant.
Sun & Location Requirements for "snowball"
Mammillaria Candida requires full sun in order to thrive. When choosing a spot for your succulent, make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the leaves start to look pale or weak, this could be an indication that the succulent isn't getting enough light.
In order to protect Mammillaria Candida from freezing temperatures, it is important to provide adequate insulation and drainage. A layer of mulch or gravel will help protect the roots by keeping them warm during cold weather. In addition, protection from wind and sun exposure can help reduce the chances of frost damage.
Any succulents in the group will need a medium space to grow. You can place your pot at your table or window. Since this plant needs more space than mini succulents, you should consider do not plant them together with other succulents/plants.
Propagation
Succulents can be propagated easily by taking offsets from the mother plant and replanting them in fresh soil. The offset will eventually grow into a new succulent that is identical to its parent.
Growing Mammillaria Candida from seeds is an easy and economical way to produce more plants. Identify a healthy seed by its plumpness, dark color and slightly sticky texture. Once the potting mix has been pre-mixed with well-draining soil, sow the seeds evenly and press lightly into the surface. To ensure germination, keep the container in bright but indirect light and mist the soil gently with a spray bottle.
Toxicity
Mammillaria Candida is generally non-toxic to humans and animals. However, the plant may contain certain toxins which can cause mild skin irritation if it is ingested or comes in contact with skin. Therefore, it is important to keep the plant away from children and pets for safety reasons.
Pests and Diseases
Mammillaria Candida can be affected common pests and diseases like most of the other succulents such as mealybugs and scale insects.
If you do spot any of pest signs, you can treat your succulent using below methods.
- Mealybugs: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
- Scale insects: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
Besides that, to prevent serious health issues from happening, keep your succulent in a well-ventilated area and check it regularly for any signs of pests or health problems.