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
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.