About
Mammillaria compressa, the mother of hundreds, is a clump-forming cactus with cylindrical stems to 25 cm. Pale-brown spines arise from conical tubercles. In spring it produces a ring of pink flowers around the crown of each stem. A rewarding and easy-care pincushion cactus for a sunny greenhouse bench.
About the genus
Mammillaria are small to medium-sized, spherical or cylindrical cacti, often in clusters, with many prominent tubercles bearing clusters of spines, and funnel-shaped flowers in a ring near the apex of the stem in spring. One of the most popular genera of cacti for a sunny greenhouse bench or windowsill.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in cactus compost in full light with shade from hot sun. From mid-spring to late summer water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 19-24°C in late winter or early spring; remove offsets in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and root mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free