Overview

Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens is a clump forming cactus succulent in the genus Mammillaria, part of the Cactaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.

About

Mammillaria elongata, the gold lace cactus or ladyfinger cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae, native to central Mexico. Growing to 15 cm (6 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) wide, it consists of densely packed clusters of elongated oval stems, covered in harmless yellow or brown spines, and in spring producing white or yellow flowers.

About the genus

Mammillaria is one of the largest genera in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently about 170 to 190 accepted species and around 99 subspecies. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, while some come from the Southwestern United States, the Caribbean, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras and Venezuela. The common name "pincushion cactus" refers to this genus and the closely related Escobaria.

Wikipedia contributors, "Mammillaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mammillaria

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Mammillaria

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, East-facing, North-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Mammillaria elongata var. rufescens

Propagation

Seed, Offsets

Pest resistance

Mealybugs

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions