Mammillaria is a genus of spiny cacti native to the desert regions of Central America, particularly Mexico. Plants usually form clusters of spherical or columnar stems, and bear funnel-shaped flowers.
Mammillaria spinosissima bears bright pink flowers and spines. The central spines are a reddish-brown or yellow. For best results grow in cactus compost in containers in full sun. Water from mid-spring to summer only, and feed once a month with a special cactus fertiliser. Mammillaria spinosissima is best grown as a houseplant but containers may be moved to a sunny, sheltered patio in midsummer.
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sow
yes
yes
Plant
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
yes
Mammillaria and wildlife
Mammillaria has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
