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Cactus Succulent

Mammillaria senilis

A slow-growing, usually solitary cactus to 15cm tall, with white wool and spines. Orange-red, trumpet-shaped flowers to 6cm long are borne from spring to summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green White Orange Red
Summer Green White Orange Red
Autumn Green White
Winter Green White
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical 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

Unresolved

Plant range
N. W. 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
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs and root mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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