From Tamaulipas, Mexico Mammillaria lauii is a clumping globular cacti with stems to three inches around. The spines can be either gold or white. It requires regular watering in summertime but should be planted in a quick draining mix as it's prone to rot. Large pink to purple flowers appear in Fall.
     The first time I saw this plant I had to have it! With its gorgeous golden white spines that turn coppery with age, I thought it was the nicest 5 headed clump of this I had ever seen. Normally I would divide a clumping plant like this in spring, but I think I'll leave this one alone and put it in a nice looking pot and just let it take off!