
The Culture of Mamillarias 
M AMILLARIAS are found principally in Mexico though 
many are native to the U. S. They extend south 
through Central America to Colombia and Venezuela, but 
become progressively less numerous below Tejuantepec. 
Generally they are mountain species inhabiting the semi- 
desert ranges. Some however are found right down on the 
salty sand of the beach. 
Though their habitats differ very widely yet in cultiva- 
tion they all seem to thrive under very much the same 
treatment. In general those with white spines seem to 
come from the driest regions and often from limestone 
country. For this reason we recommend a quite porous soil 
with powdered eggshells or old lime mortar from brick walls or plaster. However, 
all varieties like the lime. Our Soil Conditioner is useful and our Cactus Compost 
needs only the addition of loam and sand to make a perfect Cactus soil. Unless 
you have plenty of sclerophyllous leafmold you will find it exceedingly economical 
as one 70c package when mixed will make 8 to 12 quarts of compost. 
They will grow well in almost any soil. For the expert who likes to take pains 
we recommend 1 part gritty sand, 1 part rich but sandy loam, 1 part leafmold with 
a good sprinkling of powdered eggshells or old lime mortar. Some like to add either 
bricks crushed to the size of peas or charcoal with the intention of keeping the soil 
open and ‘‘sweet’’. Their growing season is from April till fall when they may be 
kept fairly moist particularly if they have plenty of light. During the winter less 
moisture is needed. If you have a porch or garden where they may be placed out- 
doors during the summer they will show their appreciation by vigorous, matured 
growth. Many varieties are winter flowering. They all enjoy an airy, light position 
in the windows. 



Beautiful 
MAMILLARIAS 
Every window garden should have 
a representative collection of these 
easy to grow and rare plants. You 
will like every one! 
COLLECTION H4 A 
Labelled species all easy to grow. 
Fascinating floral gems-___._.._.._.._..____.. $2.50 
COLLECTION H4 B 
Choice species all labelled and 
30 different. Superb selection...._____.______. $5.00 
NI ec a ae eS NaN GO 

15 

BIRD’S NEST 
Mam.iiarva Camypvotricha 
We always feel pleased when our customers 




PINCUSHIONS GROWING AT OUR NURSERIES 
The greater part of our Cacti are grown from 
seed which is a slow, painstaking method but as- 
sures you of easy success with our vigorous nursery- 
grown plants. Such plants are accustomed to ordi- 
nary window or outdoor garden conditions where 
they receive many more and regular waterings than 
they do on the desert. 
Plants collected on the desert are often difficult 
to re-establish in your garden for many find them 
incapable of accustoming themselves to the far 
greater humidity and regular waterings of garden 
culture. 
Here you see plants bedded out to develop the 

order this pretty Pincushion for we feel it worthy 
of a place in your window. As the photo shows 
the long nipples are tipped with yellow spines. 
The spines are papery and harmless. The plant is 
much given to clustering, young plants pushing 
up from the sides. Flowers pale yellow. Grows 
quite rapidly liking quite a bit of 19¢ 
moisture in summer, Fach.................... pk 
CRANBERRY CACTUS. Mamillaria 
Sartorii. One of the handsomest flow- 
ered and rarest Pincushions grown. The 
plant is flat-topped with low, angled 
nipples and short, dark spines. When 
the plants flower the upper axils fill up 
with snowy white cotton from which 
the brilliant red blossoms appear. Comes 
into flower in late December often last- 
ing 2 months. Large flowering 3 in. 75c. 
Specimen flowering 2 in.-21% in. only 
S50c. % in.-1 in. 29c. 
AT. RIGHT 
GNOMES PINCUSHION 
Mamillaria decipiens 
This rare little variety becomes the mother of a 
large family the small plantlets clustering about 
the base of the parent forming a pleasing speci- 
men 3 to 4 inches across. Blooms very early in 
the spring and also when only a year or two old. 
Blossoms white appearing among the spiny nipples 
as early as January. Very easy to grow. 20 
Nice flowering size 1 in. only......... ee ¢c 

GNOMES PINCUSHION 
fine root systems our cacti are noted for. 
MAMILLARIA PSEUDOPERBELLA. A _ very 
pretty white spined species from Central Mexico. 
The plants are often solitary but sometimes fork 
to form two or more heads. Flowers are red and 
like most Mamillarias are quite attractive. Fine 
% in. to 1 in. attractive plants 23c. 
MAMILLARIA RHODANTHA CHRYSACAN- 
THA. A variety of this popular, crimson-flow- 
ered Pincushion bearing pale yellow spines. It 
grows quite quickly and is one of our most at- 
tractive species. A gem for the window garden. 
% in. to 1 in. 25c. 
GRAPE CACTUS. Mamillaria prolifera. A tiny 
clustered species bearing many little plantlets 
each one of which may be easily separated and 
will grow. 19¢ each. 
MAMILLARIA PHAEACANTHA. 
Nat. size 
A charming species that I particularly recommend because it 
in the second year and flowers steadily 
Blossoms are ruby-red and are borne 
19¢ 
commences to bloom 
throughout the summer. 
in a circlet near the top. 
Sa PARI TOmek ise oe coe eee 
MAMILLARIA PERBELLA LANATA 
This is an exceptionally free bloom- 
ing species with rose-pink blossoms 
with a stripe down each retal. Com- 
mences flowering in late winter at 
size pictured. A very neat Vier@g 
ous little plant. % in. to 1 in.. ¢c 
MAMILLARIA DURISPINA 
A very charming variety with brown 
and buff spines and nice pink blos- 
soms during the spring. I am _ sure 
you will like it for it is a most con- 
sistent bloomer. Fine blooming size 
1% in. 35e. 
Vigorous 1 im. only..........-.ec-c2e0. 19¢ 

MAMILLARIA BOGOTENSIS 
Pale yellow spines with a hoary 
crown the top flowering axils becom- 
ing quite white-felted. The pink blos- 
soms are borne well down on the 
sides. A rare one from Columbia. 14g 
in. specimens 30c. 
oS TieeEO i yA oo ree eee 21c 

