Silk Mammillaria
mammillaria bombycina
Also known as: ["Silk Pincushion 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 bombycina |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, direct light or outdoor in a rock garden with excellent drainage
- 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 waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand for improved aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically when offsets are large enough to separate or when removing damaged growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; primarily involves removing small offsets or trimming damaged areas.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or filtered sunlight for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with dappled light if outdoors; indoors, use 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 heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries fully between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
fast-draining cactus mix with added perlite or pumice
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; use a mix with large particles for aeration; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C) during active growth; tolerates cooler temperatures (down to 50°F or 10°C) in winter but avoid frost.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; maintain dry conditions in winter to prevent cold-related rot.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted cactus fertilizer, none in winter
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop feeding in winter to allow dormancy; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (offsets or pups) are the most reliable method; occasionally can be propagated from seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy offset.
- Allow the cut end to callous for a few days.
- Plant in dry, well-draining medium.
- Water sparingly until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing and offsets are readily available.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F or 21–27°C), bright indirect light, and moderate humidity (40–60%) in a sheltered location.
Medium
Well-draining cactus mix or perlite/sand mixture with a small amount of peat or compost.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can speed up root development.
Timeline
Offsets may root in 2–4 weeks; seed propagation can take several months to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), well-draining medium, small pot.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callous before planting; use a small pot to avoid excess soil; keep soil barely moist until roots develop.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Carefully twist or cut offsets near the base; use a clean, sharp tool to avoid damaging the parent plant.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning is needed; focus on removing offsets for propagation or removing damaged/diseased parts.
Tools
Clean, sharp knife or small pruning shears, gloves to protect from spines.
Checklist
Wear gloves; use clean tools; remove offsets carefully; allow cuts to callous if necessary.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., 2–3 cm increase in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead or rotting roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining cactus mix; water sparingly until established.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure drainage; handle roots carefully; water lightly after repotting; avoid direct sun for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally; avoid wetting the plant body.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply during active growing season (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce frequency to monthly or less in winter; adjust based on humidity and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or yellowing of spines; stunted growth; bud drop; soft, mushy stems (overheating) or shriveled stems (cold stress).
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root rot if soil remains wet; prolonged cold may lead to tissue damage or death.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil; move indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C); provide a warm, dry environment during winter.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat combined with poor ventilation can cause dehydration, sunburn, or scorching of the plant's surface.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun hours; increase humidity with misting (if appropriate); ensure good air circulation; water carefully to avoid overheating roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
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-toxicIngestion of the spines may cause mechanical irritation or minor gastrointestinal upset, but the plant is not known to contain toxic substances harmful to cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicIngestion of the spines may cause mechanical irritation or minor gastrointestinal upset, but the plant is not known to contain toxic substances harmful to dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicThe spines of Mammillaria bombycina 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 bombycina?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during winter.
Q: Does Mammillaria bombycina flower?
A: Yes, it produces pink flowers in spring or early summer.
Q: Is Mammillaria bombycina toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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