Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Cactus Succulent

Mammillaria surculosa

suckering pincushion cactus

A diminutive species forming small colonies of squat stems. These bear fine hairs and large lemon flowers at their crown in spring

Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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

Requires a free draining compost with low organic content and full sun. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring or by potting up offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs, glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

Sharp drainage, reduced watering in winter and good air circulation will ward off rots

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.