Spiny Pincushion Cactus
The Spiny Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria spinosissima “Un Pico”) does not occur naturally, it is a cultivar of Mammillaria spinosissima. The wild type is native to Mexico and has much shorter spines.
As a young plant, this cactus grows globular and later columnar. It can reach up to 30 centimeters in height.
Mammillaria spinosissima “Un Pico” plant care
Lighting
Mammillaria spinosissima “Un Pico” likes it sunny and does well in the hot summer sun. Places with at least four hours of sun daily are perfect.
A summer residency in the garden or on the balcony is welcome.
Soil
Standard mixes for cacti are suitable, which can be used either pure or mixed with pumice gravel, bird sand or lava gravel.
If Mammillaria spinosissima “Un Pico” spends the summer in the garden and is in the rain, a semi-mineral mixture as described above is beneficial. Since, if the summer is rainy, it will not moisten that much.
Watering
The substrate should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
In winter, especially if the Spiny Pincushion Cactus is overwintered in a cool place, the soil should be kept mostly dry.
Feeding
Liquid fertilizer may be given occasionally from spring through late summer.
For the first year after repotting, Mammillaria spinosissima “Un Pico” does not require any fertilizing.
Temperature
For flower development, it is good if this cactus is overwintered temperate to cool, at 41 to 59 °F (5 to 15 °C).
