Mammillaria elongata Lady finger cactus 'Copper King'

☀️ Light

• Thrives in bright, direct sunlight — at least 4–6 hours a day.

• A south- or west-facing windowsill is perfect.

• Rotate occasionally for even growth and to prevent leaning.

• If kept indoors year-round, supplement with a grow light in winter.

💧 Water

• Water sparingly — allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

• During the growing season (spring–summer): water every 2–3 weeks.

• During autumn–winter rest: water once every 6–8 weeks, or not at all if kept cool and dry.

• Always water deeply, then let excess drain away — never let it sit in water.

🌡️ Temperature & Dormancy

• Grows best in 20–30°C (68–86°F).

• Can tolerate cooler temps down to 5°C (41°F) if kept totally dry.

• A cool, dry winter rest helps trigger spring blooms.

🌱 Soil

• Needs a gritty, fast-draining cactus mix, for example:

  • 2 parts cactus compost

  • 1 part coarse sand or grit

  • 1 part perlite or pumice

• Ensure the pot has good drainage holes.

🍽️ Feeding

• Feed once a month in spring and summer with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer.

• Don’t fertilize during autumn and winter.

🌸 Flowering

• Produces small, cream or pale pink flowers around the crown in spring or early summer.

• Adequate sunlight and a cool winter dormancy encourage blooming.

🪴 Repotting

• Repot every 2–3 years in spring.

• Handle carefully — the copper spines are sharp but delicate!

• Remove offsets (baby clusters) to propagate easily.

⚠️ Common Issues

• Soft or shriveled stems → overwatering or poor drainage.

• No flowers → needs more light or proper winter rest.

• Stretching (etiolation) → not enough sunlight.