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Cactus SucculentSynonym

Mammillaria candida
  • RHS AGM

snowball pincushion

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

Synonyms
Mammillaria candida

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Green White
Summer Brown Green White Pink
Autumn Brown Green White
Winter Brown Green White
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Handle with care due to prickly spines. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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

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