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Mammillaria (Mammillaria)
Mammillaria are recognized as cacti with clusters of column-like or spherical stems, mammillaria produce tubular-shaped flowers. They are low-growing evergreens that are often cultivated for containers in tropical climates. Gardeners like them as they are easy to look after.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Mammillaria
Feedback
Attributes of Mammillaria
Plant Height
10 cm
Spread
5 cm
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Mammillaria
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Cactuses
Genus
Mammillaria
Distribution of Mammillaria
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Distribution Map of Mammillaria
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria
Feedback
Mammillaria, a popular cacti genus, is characterized by low-maintenance care. It requires bright light, adequate ventilation, and well-draining soil, with occasional watering and a warm temperature range above 10°C (50°F). Common challenges include rot (from wet, stagnant conditions), and pests like mealybugs and mites. Seasonally, mammillaria requires less watering in winter, with a dry dormancy period. In summer, protect from intense midday sun. Spring sees prolific flowering with regular watering. Overall, this genus balances ease of care with special attentiveness to watering and protection from extreme conditions.
Exploring the Mammillaria Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Thimble mammillaria
Thimble cactus, or thimble mammillaria, is a small thimble-shaped cactus with an interwoven network of spines. It grows in small clusters and produces tiny flowers. Small offshoots can form new plants. Thimble mammillaria grows best in well-draining soil and part shade.
Ladyfinger cactus
Ladyfinger cactus (Mammillaria elongata) is a flowering cactus species native to Mexico. Ladyfinger cactus is commonly cultivated as an ornamental species and is also commonly known as the ladyfinger cactus. In order to ensure optimal flowering of this species, watering should be suspended during the winter. As a houseplant, ladyfinger cactus cannot tolerate damp soil for prolonged periods of time.
Old lady cactus
Old lady cactus (Mammillaria hahniana) is a flowering cactus in the family Cactaceae. Old lady cactus is native to central Mexico. This species is considered to be nearly threatened in some areas and is listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. In order to grow in temperate regions, old lady cactus must be grown under glass with heat. It should be kept dry in the winter, and watered during its active growth cycle in the summer.
Spiny pincushion cactus
Spiny pincushion cactus (Mammillaria spinosissima) is a cactus that can grow to be 41 cm tall. Spiny pincushion cactus is named for its shape. It is short and squat with a shape similar to a pin cushion. It grows in tropical dry forests and deserts and prefers rocky or sandy stone soils.
Rainbow pincushion
Rainbow pincushion (*Mammillaria rhodantha*) is a flowering cactus species native to. Rainbow pincushion is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant that does not require very much water and grows best in partial sunlight. This species cannot tolerate low temperatures and should be grown indoors in areas with a cold climate.
Little nipple cactus
Little nipple cactus (Mammillaria heyderi) is a small cactus that will grow to 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide. A solitary globular-shaped cactus with a sunken top and milky sap. It blooms from spring to summer with pink flowers and produces small red fruits from summer to spring. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Mother of hundreds
Mother of hundreds (Mammillaria compressa) is a flowering cactus native to northern and southern Mexico. Spines from the mother of hundreds have been traditionally used as fishhooks in Mexico. This species is planted in rock gardens and cultivated as a houseplant. It grows best in partial shade to full sunlight in well-drained soil.
Pincushion cactus
Pincushion cactus (*Mammillaria crinita*) is a flowering cactus native to Mexico. Pincushion cactus is often grown for ornamental purposes as a houseplant. For optimal flowering as a houseplant and garden plant, pincushion cactus should not be watered during winter. Like other cacti, it should not be allowed to remain in standing water for long periods of time.
All Species of Mammillaria
Thimble mammillaria
Thimble mammillaria
Thimble cactus, or thimble mammillaria, is a small thimble-shaped cactus with an interwoven network of spines. It grows in small clusters and produces tiny flowers. Small offshoots can form new plants. Thimble mammillaria grows best in well-draining soil and part shade.
Ladyfinger cactus
Ladyfinger cactus
Ladyfinger cactus (Mammillaria elongata) is a flowering cactus species native to Mexico. Ladyfinger cactus is commonly cultivated as an ornamental species and is also commonly known as the ladyfinger cactus. In order to ensure optimal flowering of this species, watering should be suspended during the winter. As a houseplant, ladyfinger cactus cannot tolerate damp soil for prolonged periods of time.
Old lady cactus
Old lady cactus
Old lady cactus (Mammillaria hahniana) is a flowering cactus in the family Cactaceae. Old lady cactus is native to central Mexico. This species is considered to be nearly threatened in some areas and is listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. In order to grow in temperate regions, old lady cactus must be grown under glass with heat. It should be kept dry in the winter, and watered during its active growth cycle in the summer.
Spiny pincushion cactus
Spiny pincushion cactus
Spiny pincushion cactus (Mammillaria spinosissima) is a cactus that can grow to be 41 cm tall. Spiny pincushion cactus is named for its shape. It is short and squat with a shape similar to a pin cushion. It grows in tropical dry forests and deserts and prefers rocky or sandy stone soils.
Rainbow pincushion
Rainbow pincushion
Rainbow pincushion (*Mammillaria rhodantha*) is a flowering cactus species native to. Rainbow pincushion is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant that does not require very much water and grows best in partial sunlight. This species cannot tolerate low temperatures and should be grown indoors in areas with a cold climate.
Little nipple cactus
Little nipple cactus
Little nipple cactus (Mammillaria heyderi) is a small cactus that will grow to 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide. A solitary globular-shaped cactus with a sunken top and milky sap. It blooms from spring to summer with pink flowers and produces small red fruits from summer to spring. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Mother of hundreds
Mother of hundreds
Mother of hundreds (Mammillaria compressa) is a flowering cactus native to northern and southern Mexico. Spines from the mother of hundreds have been traditionally used as fishhooks in Mexico. This species is planted in rock gardens and cultivated as a houseplant. It grows best in partial shade to full sunlight in well-drained soil.
Pincushion cactus
Pincushion cactus
Pincushion cactus (*Mammillaria crinita*) is a flowering cactus native to Mexico. Pincushion cactus is often grown for ornamental purposes as a houseplant. For optimal flowering as a houseplant and garden plant, pincushion cactus should not be watered during winter. Like other cacti, it should not be allowed to remain in standing water for long periods of time.
Thimble cactus
Thimble cactus
The thimble cactus is a small cactus with small, radial spines, and looks a little like silver-gloved fingers when viewed from a distance. Its seedlings are oval and its stems elongate into a columnar shape over time. The stems produce multiple small balls - by gently removing a small lateral ball and planting it, you will soon have a brand-new Mammillaria gracilis.
Texas nipple cactus
Texas nipple cactus
Texas nipple cactus (Mammillaria prolifera) is a low-growing cactus that produces yellowish or pinkish blossoms in the springtime. It has sharp edges so should be handled with caution. This plant is popular for landscaping.
Mammillaria
Mammillaria
Mammillaria is a cotton ball-looking ornamental cactus with little but extremely sharp white spines. It grows at a very slow pace. Thanks to its beautiful funnel-shaped flowers that range from white to yellow, pink to red, this plant is often used as an ornamental feature in gardens. It can store water for drought survival.
Isla carmen pincushion cactus
Isla carmen pincushion cactus
Isla carmen pincushion cactus (Mammillaria carmenae) is a globular cactus that grows in the wild in a very small geographical range within Mexico. The isla carmen pincushion cactus grows in rocky crevices and pine forests. This species is endangered in its natural habitat due to illegal collection. The isla carmen pincushion cactus is often cultivated as a houseplant, but it must be kept warm in winter.
Golf ball cactus
Golf ball cactus
The golf ball cactus is similar in appearance to the Thimble cactus, with both having white thorns. However, the golf ball cactus hardly ever grows a sub-ball from its bulb and usually remains in the form of a "snowball". Its thorns are dense, but instead of growing upright they cling to their succulent stems, making this a rare cactus that is thorny but doesn't sting.
Graham's nipple cactus
Graham's nipple cactus
Graham's nipple cactus (Mammillaria grahamii) is a cactus that will grow to from 10 to 13 cm tall. Its white spines cover the plant almost entirely. It also has interesting fishhook-shaped spines sticking out in all directions. It blooms pink flowers in summer that surround the stem in a halo of color. Fruits ripen during fall and winter producing small black seeds. Commonly found growing in California Texas and Mexico.
Common fishhook cactus
Common fishhook cactus
Mammillaria tetrancistra is commonly known as common fishhook cactus. It is native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts in Mexico and the southwestern United States. It blooms showy pink to light purple flowers. Do not over-water.
Strawberry cactus
Strawberry cactus
Strawberry cactus is a cactus found in the scrub of North America's western Colorado Desert. It produces edible fruit, with a strawberry-like flavor, hence its common name. This sun-loving succulent provides an interesting display with its showy flowers.
Arizona snowcap
Arizona snowcap
Mammillaria vetula 'Arizona Snowcap' is a flowering cactus that is valued as an ornamental species. Mammillaria vetula 'Arizona Snowcap' is a mutation of Mammillaria vetula. This species should be repotted regularly when grown in cultivation. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely during repotting.
Powderpuff cactus
Powderpuff cactus
Powderpuff cactus is a charming addition to any collection. Its white, furry appearance makes it look like a delicate snowball. This cactus is native to central Mexico and produces bright pink flowers in spring and summer. It is a low-maintenance plant that grows well in a sunny windowsill or outdoors in well-draining soil. Powder Puff Cactus is perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, and is a great conversation starter.
Thumb cactus
Thumb cactus
This slow-growing cactus is prized for its remarkable, cylindrical shape resembling a thumb, making it a conversation starter in any setting. It's an ideal choice for rock gardens, container arrangements, and indoor displays, thanks to its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in various environments. Thumb cactus produces charming, fragrant pink flowers that attract pollinators, contributing to biodiversity in gardens.
Mammillaria bombycina subsp. perezdelarosae
Mammillaria bombycina subsp. perezdelarosae
Mammillaria bombycina subsp. perezdelarosae is a cactus native to Mexico. Its common name comes from the fact that it does not have any spines. This unique feature adds to its appeal as an ornamental plant for cactus enthusiasts.
Thimble cactus
Thimble cactus
Thimble cactus is well suited to container growth because of its diminutive size and the way it spreads out in an appealing cluster. This Mexican native cactus can be found wild at high altitudes beneath pine forests. Its small rounded shape gives rise to the common name 'thimble cactus.'
Silken pincushion
Silken pincushion
Silken pincushion is a highly popular cactus readily found on the market. However, its wild populations are threatened due to illegal collecting. In cooler regions, this cactus is grown as a houseplant, but in warmer climates, it can be grown in a garden.
Feather cactus
Feather cactus
Feather cactus is a standout cactus that features a delicate, feathery covering of soft spines that more than justify its common name. Its domed shape makes it an excellent houseplant for circular containers. However, growers should not be deceived by this plant's soft exterior, as its sharp inner spines still pack a painful punch.
Owl Eye Cactus
Owl Eye Cactus
Owl Eye Cactus is a species of cactus that is native to Mexico. It is a popular plant among cactus enthusiasts due to its unique and striking appearance. The plant is typically small and globe-shaped, with numerous cylindrical tubercles arranged in a spiral pattern. These tubercles are covered in spines, which vary in color from white to yellowish-brown.
Twin-spined cactus
Twin-spined cactus
Twin-spined cactus is a small, globe-shaped cactus with paired spines resembling twins, which attribute to its name. Its green, fleshy body is densely covered in white, cotton-like areoles, giving it a soft, textured appearance. Adapting to arid conditions, twin-spined cactus blooms with pink or purple funnel-shaped flowers that add a vibrant contrast to its prickly demeanor. Its compact size and low water needs make it well-suited to rock gardens or indoor container displays.
Mammillaria luethyi
Mammillaria luethyi
Mammillaria luethyi has been known for decades only from the photographs published by Bravo & Sanchez Mejorada. This rare cactus was not discovered in nature until 1996. Today, it is widely cultivated, but in the wild, it is known only from two locations. Due to the threat of illegal collecting, the exact locations are known only to a small number of experts.
Mammillaria marksiana
Mammillaria marksiana
Mammillaria marksiana is an attractive cactus that stands out from its close relatives thanks to its bright yellow flowers. This plant has a mounded shape that helps it store water during droughts. Its shape makes it ideal for container growth, too, and it is a common houseplant in cooler regions.
Biznaguita
Biznaguita
Growing naturally only in Guanajuato, Mexico, biznaguita is a popular houseplant around the world. It is also cultivated in warm climate rock gardens where it can form attractive small clumps, especially in the summer when the succulent produces small flowers.
Mammillaria mystax
Mammillaria mystax
Mammillaria mystax is an ornamental cactus popular for both its rounded form with spiked leaves and its bright pink flowers. It copes well with drought but can only be grown outdoors in warmer climates. Overwatering can be a problem because it is vulnerable to root rot.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Mammillaria
Mammillaria
Mammillaria are recognized as cacti with clusters of column-like or spherical stems, mammillaria produce tubular-shaped flowers. They are low-growing evergreens that are often cultivated for containers in tropical climates. Gardeners like them as they are easy to look after.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Mammillaria
Feedback
Attributes of Mammillaria
Plant Height
10 cm
Spread
5 cm
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Mammillaria
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Mammillaria Distribution of Mammillaria
Feedback
Distribution Map of Mammillaria
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria
Feedback
Mammillaria, a popular cacti genus, is characterized by low-maintenance care. It requires bright light, adequate ventilation, and well-draining soil, with occasional watering and a warm temperature range above 10°C (50°F). Common challenges include rot (from wet, stagnant conditions), and pests like mealybugs and mites. Seasonally, mammillaria requires less watering in winter, with a dry dormancy period. In summer, protect from intense midday sun. Spring sees prolific flowering with regular watering. Overall, this genus balances ease of care with special attentiveness to watering and protection from extreme conditions.
Exploring the Mammillaria Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Thimble mammillaria
Thimble cactus, or thimble mammillaria, is a small thimble-shaped cactus with an interwoven network of spines. It grows in small clusters and produces tiny flowers. Small offshoots can form new plants. Thimble mammillaria grows best in well-draining soil and part shade.
Ladyfinger cactus
Ladyfinger cactus (Mammillaria elongata) is a flowering cactus species native to Mexico. Ladyfinger cactus is commonly cultivated as an ornamental species and is also commonly known as the ladyfinger cactus. In order to ensure optimal flowering of this species, watering should be suspended during the winter. As a houseplant, ladyfinger cactus cannot tolerate damp soil for prolonged periods of time.
Old lady cactus
Old lady cactus (Mammillaria hahniana) is a flowering cactus in the family Cactaceae. Old lady cactus is native to central Mexico. This species is considered to be nearly threatened in some areas and is listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. In order to grow in temperate regions, old lady cactus must be grown under glass with heat. It should be kept dry in the winter, and watered during its active growth cycle in the summer.
Spiny pincushion cactus
Spiny pincushion cactus (Mammillaria spinosissima) is a cactus that can grow to be 41 cm tall. Spiny pincushion cactus is named for its shape. It is short and squat with a shape similar to a pin cushion. It grows in tropical dry forests and deserts and prefers rocky or sandy stone soils.
Show More Species
All Species of Mammillaria
Thimble mammillaria
Ladyfinger cactus
Old lady cactus
Spiny pincushion cactus
Rainbow pincushion
Little nipple cactus
Mother of hundreds
Pincushion cactus
Thimble cactus
Texas nipple cactus
Mammillaria
Isla carmen pincushion cactus
Golf ball cactus
Graham's nipple cactus
Common fishhook cactus
Strawberry cactus
Arizona snowcap
Powderpuff cactus
Thumb cactus
Mammillaria bombycina subsp. perezdelarosae
Thimble cactus
Silken pincushion
Feather cactus
Owl Eye Cactus
Twin-spined cactus
Mammillaria luethyi
Mammillaria marksiana
Biznaguita
Mammillaria mystax
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
