Scientific Name
Mammillaria bocasana 'Roseiflora'
Common Name(s)
Fishhooks, Powder Puff Cactus, Powder Puff Pincushion, Powderpuff Pincushion Cactus, Snowball Cactus,
Synonym(s)
Mammillaria bocasana f. roseiflora, Mammillaria bocasana var. roseiflora
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Subtribe: Cactinae
Genus: Mammillaria
Origin
Mammillaria bocasana 'Roseiflora' is a form of Mammillaria bocasana selected for its pink or rich rose-colored flowers.
Description
Mammillaria bocasana 'Roseiflora' is a clump-forming cactus with globular to cylindrical stems covered with clusters of numerous white, hair-like radial spies and 1 to 7 (one hooked) reddish-brown central spines. The stems can grow up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) tall and 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are pink or rich rose-colored and appear in spring and summer. They are funnel-shaped and measure up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are rosy-pink to red, cylindrical, and measure up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
This cactus is only suitable for outdoor life in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b to 11b. For gardeners in most zones, only indoor potted Powder Puff Cactus is an option.
Powder Puff Cactus needs plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures. It is happy if temperatures are between 70 and 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) and at least 8 hours of sunlight. During the winter, it becomes dormant and can be held in a dry, cool house room. Exposure to temperatures between 60 and 65 °F (16 and 18 °C) helps encourage flowering in spring. Move Powder Puff Cactus outside in summer.
The potting soil needs to be porous so it can drain well. Allow the soil to become nearly dry between waterings, but then water thoroughly. Never let the pots sit in the water. Suspend watering in the winter, but mist occasionally.
Fertilize Powder Puff Cactus in spring with a 5-10-5 liquid fertilizer. Continue to feed the potted plant in summer every month. Suspend fertilizer in fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for a Powder Puff Cactus (Mammillaria bocasana).
Links
- Back to genus Mammillaria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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