Mammillaria magnimamma
Mexican pincushion
A clump-forming perennial cactus. Tubby and spherical green stems are covered with tubercles (nodules), white spines and wool. Stems may reach 30cm in height. Small, funnel-shaped flowers, borne in spring and perhaps again in late summer, near the crowns are usually pink, but may also be red or cream
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Cream Pink Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Cream Pink Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- C Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Requires full sun and a well-drained potting medium. Minimum temperature of 5°C, so could be put outdoors in summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by potting up offsets or by propagate by seed in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- 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 white fly
Diseases
Sharp drainage and keeping completely dry in winter will prevent rots
Get involved
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