Overview
Mammillaria pectinifera is a clump forming cactus succulent in the genus Mammillaria, part of the Cactaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Mammillaria pectinifera 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 pectinifera is a clump-forming cactus succulent from the Mammillaria genus, known for its spherical or columnar spiny forms and distinctive tubercles. This evergreen plant produces funnel-shaped flowers arranged in a circle at the top of the stems during summer. It thrives in full sun and sheltered positions, preferring well-drained loam or sandy soils with a range of pH levels. Suitable for patio and container planting, Mammillaria pectinifera requires gritty soil and is best grown in conservatories or greenhouses in the UK, where it is hardy to H2. Propagation can be achieved by seed or offsets.
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 pectinifera 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 pectinifera
- Propagation
- Seed, Offsets
- Pest resistance
- Mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mammillaria pectinifera?
Mammillaria pectinifera prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mammillaria pectinifera need?
Mammillaria pectinifera grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Mammillaria pectinifera hardy in the UK?
Mammillaria pectinifera has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Mammillaria pectinifera?
Seed, Offsets.