Pincushion Cactus
mammillaria compressa
Also known as: ["Pincushion Cactus","Star Cactus"]
Overview
A small, globular cactus with white spines and pink flowers, native to Mexico.
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 compressa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, sunny location or outdoor 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 waterlogging.
- 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 dead material accumulates.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (4–6 hours/day); adjust for intense summer sun to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; provide shade during peak summer hours; place indoors near south-facing window if outdoors is too harsh.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct midday sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, 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 (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with gravel for aesthetics.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted cactus fertilizer
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; stop in fall/winter; use a fertilizer with higher phosphorus for blooms.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups); easiest method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy offset or stem.
- Let cut end dry for a few days.
- Plant in medium.
- Water sparingly until rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid (50–60% humidity), bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Cactus mix or perlite and sand mixture for fast drainage.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Do not overwater; keep in a warm spot; avoid direct sunlight until established.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use sterilized tools to snip or pull off unwanted growth; wear gloves to avoid spines.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged spines/stems to maintain shape and health.
Tools
Sterilized scissors or pruners, gloves, small brush for cleaning spines.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; wear gloves; remove dead growth; clean plant afterward.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 5-inch pot); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant carefully; trim any dead roots; repot in a slightly larger container with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; use fresh cactus mix to prevent salt buildup.
Checklist
Check root health; trim if necessary; use fresh soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.
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; increase slightly in summer heat.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to commercial cactus mix; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, wilting, or bud drop in extreme heat; soft, mushy stems in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root rot; frost can damage tissues.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid watering in cold periods.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, sunburn, or stunted growth.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but carefully.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse tools afterward.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly in growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicMammillaria compressa is not known to produce toxic compounds harmful to cats. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to mechanical irritation from spines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicMammillaria compressa is not known to produce toxic compounds harmful to dogs. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to mechanical irritation from spines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicThe spines of Mammillaria compressa can cause mechanical irritation upon contact, but the plant does not produce any known toxic compounds harmful to humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Mammillaria compressa?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Q: Does this cactus need full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright, direct sunlight.
Q: Can I grow Mammillaria compressa indoors?
A: Yes, it is well-suited for indoor cultivation with adequate light.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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