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Cactus Succulent

Mammillaria compressa

mother of hundreds

A clump-forming cactus with cylindrical stems to 25cm. Pale brown spines arise from conical tubercles. In spring it produces a ring of pink flowers around the crown of the stem

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

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Mammillaria are spiny cacti with spherical or columnar stems, often in clusters, with many prominent tubercles, and funnel-shaped flowers usually in a ring near the apex of the stem

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in cactus compost in full light with shade from hot sun. From mid-spring to late summer water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed at 19-24°C in late winter or early spring; remove offsets in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs and root mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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