Pincushion Cactus
mammillaria gracilis
Also known as: ["Golden Pincushion Cactus","Slender Pincushion Cactus"]
Overview
A small, globular cactus with dense, golden-yellow spines and white flowers in spring.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Mammillaria |
| Botanical Name: | Mammillaria gracilis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot near bright window or outdoor in a well-drained rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when offsets become crowded.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only offsets or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct sun but acclimate slowly to avoid sunburn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to direct sun gradually over weeks; protect from intense midday sun; indoors, place near a south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer hours; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
fast-draining cactus mix with added perlite or pumice
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Use terra cotta pots for better aeration; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with gravel for extra drainage.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frost but best kept above 50°F (10°C) in winter.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with diluted cactus fertilizer, none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups);Offsets are the easiest method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Remove offset with a sharp knife.
- Let callus over 1–2 days.
- Plant in dry medium.
- Water lightly after roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), bright indirect light, high humidity (60–70%) for initial rooting.
Medium
Cactus mix or perlite and sand mixture for good drainage.
Hormone
Not necessary but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pot, cactus mix.
Quick Tips
Let cuttings callus before planting; use a small pot to limit soil volume; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Twist offsets gently to remove; use a sharp knife for clean cuts if necessary.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove offsets to control size or encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Sharp knife or pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; twist offsets gently; let cut surfaces dry before replanting.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant carefully; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh cactus mix with a layer of gravel at the bottom for drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; offsets may outgrow their space quickly.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; wait a week to water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to commercial potting soil; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing) in cold; wilting or shriveling in heat; bud drop under stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root rot if soil remains wet; can develop corky scab lesions.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil dries quickly; apply a fungicide if scab appears.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or curl; growth may stall; risk of sunburn on the plant body.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water early in the day.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength; feed monthly during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSimilar to dogs, ingestion of spines may cause mechanical irritation, but Mammillaria gracilis is not toxic to cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicIngestion of the spines may cause mechanical irritation or minor gastrointestinal discomfort, but the plant is not toxic to dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicThe spines of Mammillaria gracilis can cause mechanical irritation upon contact, but there are no known toxic compounds that pose a health risk to humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Mammillaria gracilis?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
Q: Does this cactus need full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright, direct sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Can Mammillaria gracilis be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it is well-suited for indoor cultivation in bright, sunny locations.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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