Mammillaria candida

RHS Plant Profile
snowball pincushion

Synonyms

Mammillaria candida

Award of Garden Merit
Cactus Succulent

A clump-forming cactus with solitary or clustered, globose-cylindrical stems to 15cm in height, areoles woolly with white radial and longer brown central spines; funnel-shaped rose-pink flowers 2cm in length

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Handle with care due to prickly spines. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
N.E Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to by mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free