About

A cactus with clustered, spherical stems to 5cm in height, with dense fine whitish spines and off-white flowers tinged with yellow and red.

About the genus

Mammillaria are spiny cacti with spherical or columnar stems, often in clusters, with many prominent tubercles, and funnel-shaped flowers usually in a ring near the apex of the stem

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toNE Mexico

Care notes

CultivationGrow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by offsets
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free