About
Mammillaria magnimamma, the Mexican pincushion, is a clump-forming cactus with tubby, spherical, green stems to 30 cm covered in tubercles, white spines and wool. Small, funnel-shaped flowers, usually pink but sometimes red or cream, are borne near the crown in spring and perhaps again in late summer. A popular and easy-care 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 pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens
Native toC Mexico
Care notes
CultivationRequires full sun and a well-drained potting medium. Minimum temperature of 5°C, so could be put outdoors in summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by potting up offsets or by propagate by seed in spring or summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs, glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse white fly
Disease resistanceSharp drainage and keeping completely dry in winter will prevent rots