About
Mammillaria elongata, the ladyfinger cactus, is a clustering cactus with cylindrical stems to 15 cm bearing creamy-yellow to brown spines; flowers 1.5 cm, pale yellow or tinged pink. A charming and popular pincushion cactus for a sunny greenhouse bench or windowsill.
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, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toC 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