Aylostera cv. Sunrise
Some of my little spiky friends in a monochrome session. They are not in bloom right now (expect one weirdo that doesn't want to stop), so all I can do is to admire the variety of spines and shapes.
I always preferred the ones with very short spines. Preferably not sticking out too much or even better no spines at all. But the more I grow them the more I do appreciate all the forms. Also because lots of them I grew from seed not knowing what I have there and those, as they mature, turn to really mean f***.
Mammillaria prolifera
The first little Aylostera is completely harmless. You can touch pet and nothing happens. The second, very popular mammillaria look nice too at first glance. But there are some really sharp, short spines sticking out from each areole. Lovely and fast growing cactus though!
Then we have large, thick and sharp one that remind me sheet horns. Even though this one looks the meanest, the large spines are easier to handle than hundreds of the little ones you cannot see.
Thelocactus hexaedrophorus
Little snowflakes on Escobaria are completely harmless. This one never bloomed for me, but I still like it.
Escobaria Sneedii ssp. Leei
Below probably the cutest looking cactus I have. Pile of little balls covered in white fluff. And all that fluff hides tons of hooks that will attack to your skin.
Those are the most fun to repot :p
Mammillaria glassii
Last but not least another meanie. The spines are long and stick out in any direction. Thin and very deceiving.
Mammillaria decipiens
Monochrome song for today:
Metallica - The Unforgiven
year 1991
Shot with Nikon D5500 + Sigma 105mm lens
All photos and text are my own.
