About
A clustering cactus with spherical stems to 12cm round, with woolly axils and pointed tubercles bearing long, yellow-brown central spines surrounded by fine white radial spines. Produces pink or white funnel-shaped flowers, with dark pink mid-veins, in a ring around the crown of the stem from spring to summer.
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 typeCactus Succulent
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a free draining cactus compost, in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely during the growing season and sparingly in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more details
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in late winter or early spring, or by division, removing offsets in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and root mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free