Scientific Name
Mammillaria crinita subsp. wildii (A. Dietr.) D.R. Hunt
Common Name(s)
Fishhook Pincushion Cactus
Synonym(s)
Mammillaria wildii, Neomammillaria wildii, Mammillaria glochidiata, Cactus glochidiatus, Ebnerella wildii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Subtribe: Cactinae
Genus: Mammillaria
Description
Mammillaria crinita subsp. wildii is a small cactus with dark green globose to short cylindrical stems with conical tubercles tipped with a cluster of spines. The stems grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, at first solitary but clustering very young and forming a dense clump. Each areole bears 3 to 4 (one hooked) central spines and 11 to 15 radial spines. The central spines are yellow to yellowish-brown and up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) long. Radial spines are whitish, smooth, and up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long.
The flowers are brownish-yellow, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter, and appear in spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
To encourage better flowering, allow the plants to enjoy a cooling period in the winter and suspend watering. Unlike many other cacti, which use their ribs as storage devices, Mammillaria feature raised tubercles, from which spines emerge. When you water, the tubercles will expand to increase water storage. The flowers appear from these tubercles' axils on the previous year's growth, which accounts for their interesting halo effect. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, make sure to fertilize during the growing season for the best results.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot Mammillaria, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria.
Origin
Mammillaria crinita subsp. wildii is native to Mexico (Hidalgo).
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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