Spiny Mammillaria
mammillaria spinosissima
Also known as: ["Spiny Pincushion Cactus","Mexican Pincushion"]
Overview
A small, globular cactus with dense spines and white 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 spinosissima |
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 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 damage is observed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (4–6 hours daily); adjust to avoid scorching in intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; provide shade during peak summer hours; indoor placement should mimic bright, sunny conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries completely between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent rot.
Soil
fast-draining cactus mix with added perlite or pumice
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes, avoid compacted soil, ensure soil dries between waterings, refresh soil every few years.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air flow in warm climates.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted cactus fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; dilute fertilizer to prevent salt buildup; stop feeding in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups); occasionally by seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy offset or cutting, let cut end dry for a few days, plant in medium, water sparingly, maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), high humidity (60–70%), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Offsets root in 2–4 weeks; cuttings may take 4–8 weeks to root and establish.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callous before planting; use bottom heat to encourage rooting; avoid overwatering new cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim with clean, sharp tools; avoid removing healthy growth unless necessary for shape.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged spines/stems to maintain shape and health.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, alcohol wipes for sterilization.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, wear gloves, remove dead/damaged parts, avoid over-pruning, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Remove plant carefully, trim roots if needed, place in slightly larger pot with fresh cactus mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and prevent root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil, handle roots gently, water lightly after repotting, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness, water deeply, ensure drainage, reduce winter watering, avoid wetting spines.
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 allow foliage to dry before night.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to once a month or less, depending on warmth and light.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial cactus mix to enhance drainage; avoid heavy organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or necrosis in extreme heat; etiolation or soft growth in insufficient light/temperature.
Cold Stress
Stops growth below 50°F (10°C); prolonged cold can cause root rot or tissue damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; reduce watering in cool conditions; insulate pots in frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Wilting or sunburn in excessive heat; may drop spines or show dehydration signs.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water early in the day to avoid evaporation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use cactus-specific fertilizer, dilute properly, fertilize during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer (quarter strength) every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSimilar to dogs, ingestion of spines may cause mechanical irritation or minor gastrointestinal discomfort, but the plant does not contain toxic compounds harmful to cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicIngestion of spines may cause mechanical irritation or minor gastrointestinal discomfort, 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 spinosissima 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 spinosissima?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during winter.
Q: Does this cactus need full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright, direct sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Can Mammillaria spinosissima be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it is well-suited for indoor cultivation provided it receives adequate light.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
