About
This densely clustering cactus to 10cm tall, with cylindrical green stems. Numerous yellow, recurved radial spines arise from each areole. In spring, white or yellow, sometimes faintly pink-striped flowers, are produced in a ring around the crown.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Cactus Succulent
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationGrow in standard cactus compost in full sun with good ventilation. Water moderately when in growth and apply a specialist liquid cacti feed monthly; keep almost completely dry at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 19-24°C in early spring; separate offsets in late spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to stem rots in wet conditions