Pincushion Cactus (mammillaria spinosissima) – Silver star shaped, thick, spines swirl around an emerald green oval. Spinosissima is adorned with beautiful purple flowers from summer to fall. Native to Central Mexico Mammillaria are unusual cactus with beautifully uniform cream or black colored spines. Very easy to grow only requiring medium light and occasional watering.
The growth rate of Pincushion will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
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OUTDOOR
Zone 9b-11
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PATIO
Zone 4a-11
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SOIL TYPE
Rich Moist
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% SUN
80-100%
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POT SIZE
4″ Round
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INCLUDES
One Plant
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Cactus are easy to grow, hard to kill succulents that require very little water or attention. In the xeriscape Cactus grow happily in a pot or when planted directly in the ground. They add a wonderful accent to any outdoor space, garden or patio. In cooler zones a containerized Cactus can be relocated indoors for the winter months.
When you receive your new Cactus, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a tray and moving it to a shady location, simply water when dry. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new Cactus.
All Cactus varieties grow very well in containers, indoors or on the patio. For larger varieties allow enough room for growth generally a 8″ to a 16″ diameter, 10″ deep container will suffice to get started. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your Cactus will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot.
Pincushion Cactus enjoy a well drained, organic cactus mix easily found at your local box store. Remember try to stay away from wet or mucky soils.
To help establish your new Pincushion Cactus, fertilize sparingly a few inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow at a slower pace. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant. Its best to use a brand you know and trust.
Best outdoors if grown in zone 9b-11, find your zone here. This Cactus requires 80-100% sunlight. Depending on your location full sun is often best. In the northern end of their grow zone Pincushion Cactus should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before winter.
At the nursery these Cactus are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant this Cactus in a brightly lit area you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
Before leaving, Cactus are inspected, watered, and pruned. Larger plants, generally those that ship in 8″ pots, will be topped to 36″ or 48″ overall, depending on the variety, if necessary, to facilitate shipping. Your new plants’ pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Plants are tissue or kraft paper wrapped and generally secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts.
