Soft-spined Mammillaria
mammillaria lasiacantha
Also known as: ["Soft-spined Pincushion Cactus","Mexican Pincushion"]
Overview
A small, globular cactus with soft, white spines and small, pinkish flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Mammillaria |
| Botanical Name: | Mammillaria lasiacantha |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright light or outdoor in a 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
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when offsets become crowded.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or unwanted offsets.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or filtered sunlight for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with bright indirect light if outdoors; indoors, place near an east or 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 growing season, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy cactus mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid overwatering; use a mix with inorganic components for better aeration.
Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C); can tolerate mild frosts down to 25°F (-4°C) but thrives in warmer conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted cactus fertilizer, none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a fertilizer with higher phosphorus for blooming.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups);Offsets are the easiest method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy offset or cutting.
- Allow the cut end to callous for a few days.
- Plant in well-draining medium.
- Water sparingly until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain temperatures around 70–75°F (21–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining cactus mix or a mix of perlite and peat moss.
Hormone
Not necessary but can speed up rooting if used.
Timeline
Offsets may root in 2–4 weeks; cuttings may take 4–8 weeks to root and several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), well-draining medium, small pot
Quick Tips
Do not overwater new cuttings; provide bottom heat if possible; keep out of direct sun until established.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Gently twist or cut offsets away from the mother plant; avoid cutting into healthy tissue.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged offsets to encourage healthier growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp knife or small pruning shears
Checklist
Sterilize tools, remove dead offsets, allow cuts to callous, repot if necessary
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant carefully, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh cactus mix, and water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; offsets may need repotting sooner if they become crowded.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil, handle roots gently, water sparingly after repotting
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust seasonally
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, avoiding the plant's spines and body; ensure water penetrates the root zone; allow excess water to drain completely; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to every 4–6 weeks; increase slightly in summer to every 2–3 weeks depending on heat and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage; avoid heavy, water-retentive soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or yellowing of lower leaves, stunted growth, bud drop, or softening of the stem.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or rot if soil remains wet; prolonged cold may lead to tissue damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry before cold exposure; use a frost cloth or move indoors if temperatures drop below 25°F (-4°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, sunburn, or wilting; may lead to etiolation if not enough light is available.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; ensure adequate water without overwatering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, fertilize during growing season, avoid winter feeding
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSimilar to dogs, ingestion of spines may cause mechanical injury to the digestive tract, but Mammillaria lasiacantha does not contain toxic compounds harmful to cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicWhile ingestion of spines may cause mechanical injury to the digestive tract, Mammillaria lasiacantha is not known to contain toxic compounds harmful to dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicThe spines of Mammillaria lasiacantha can cause mechanical irritation upon contact, but there are no known toxic compounds that pose a significant health risk to humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Mammillaria lasiacantha?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during winter dormancy.
Q: Does this cactus need full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright, direct sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Can Mammillaria lasiacantha 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 growi |
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