Mammillaria Cactus
Mammillaria cacti are so named because each aerole sports a spine on the top half and hair or fuzz on the bottom half. There are more than 200 species of Mammillaria which grow to full height within approximately 5 years, after which time the cactus will begin to spread outward.
Most Popular Types
lady finger cactus – Mammillaria elongata, pincushion cactus – M. zeilmanniana, Thimble cactus – M. gracilis fragilis
Light
Direct sunlight
Temperatures
mammillaria cactus prefer to be kept in temperatures between 50 and 85°F.
Watering
Mammillaria do not require frequent watering. Water sparingly when soil is completely dry, and cut water regimine in half during winter.
Toxicity
Non-toxic to animals or humans.
Growth
Mamillaria range in size from 1 inch (fully grown) to 12 inches. Most are ground-hugging.
Flowers in the spring and summer will surround the top of the column, forming a crown.
Origin
Southwest US, Mexico, Caribbean, and Central America
Propagation
Cuttings or offsets
Dormancy
Winter dormant.
mammillaria gracilis fragilis thimble cactus
The thimble cactus is a small mammillaria covered in spines. It grows in clusters.
mammillaria bombycina maybe
Many mammillaria have fine hairs along with sharp spines. Both help to shade the cactus from the harsh sun.
cactus brain Mammilaria elongata cristata
This cactus brain is a crested version of Mammillaria Elongata, Lady Slipper cactus.
mammillaria spinosissima
This spiny fishhook cactus shows its new growth surrounded by white spines.
mammillaria gracilis fragilis thimble cactus
Mammillaria gracilis fragilis thimble cactus
mammillaria bombycina maybe
Mammillaria zeilmanniana
Like many Mammillaria, the zeilmanniana variety shows off a ring of blooms.
Workshops at Growing Hobby
Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.