Mammillaria compressa
mother of hundreds
A clump-forming cactus with cylindrical stems to 25cm. Pale brown spines arise from conical tubercles. In spring it produces a ring of pink flowers around the crown of the stem
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Pink | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in cactus compost in full light with shade from hot sun. From mid-spring to late summer water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 19-24°C in late winter or early spring; remove offsets in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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