In its native habitat, Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis is found hanging from the calcareous conglomerate cliffs. It has slightly thinner, but longer stems, whiter and shorter spines, and denser sipination than Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. spinosissima.
Scientific Name
Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis (Bravo) D.R.Hunt
Synonym(s)
Mammillaria pilcayensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Subtribe: Cactinae
Genus: Mammillaria
Etymology
The specific epithet "pilcayensis (pronounced py-lee-kay-EN-sis)" refers to the municipality of Pilcaya in the Mexican state of Guerrero.
Origin
Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis is native to Mexico. It grows in tropical dry forests and xerophilous scrub at elevations between 1,970 and 4,920 feet (600 and 1,500 m) in Guerrero and the adjacent State of Mexico.
Description
Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis is a small cactus with cylindrical, dark blue-green stems covered with conical tubercles in a spiral pattern. It can either grow as solitary stems or sparsely branched from the base. The stems can reach a length of 20 inches (50 cm) and have a diameter of up to 2 inches (5 cm). Initially, the stems are upright but become top-heavy as they grow, often trailing along the ground or hanging over the sides of their pots.
Each tubercle has an areole at its tip, which bears about 14 central and 17 radial spines. The spines are thin, flexible, translucent greyish-white or yellow, sometimes brown-tipped, and can measure up to 0.2 inches (0.6 cm) long. The axils of the tubercles are woolly and bear 8 to 10 slender bristles.
During spring, Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis produces purplish-pink flowers that form a ring around the stem. The flowers can reach up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in length and diameter. The fruits are club-shaped, greenish to dull purple, and contain tiny, reddish-brown seeds. They can grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis
Light: For optimal growth of your Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis, ensure it is planted in an area that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, placing the cactus near a bright window is best to ensure it gets enough light. It is advisable to keep it on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall for additional light.
Soil: Use commercial cactus soil or create your own well-draining soil mix to ensure good root aeration and drainage.
Temperature: Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis is heat tolerant but is not a cold-hardy plant. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C).
Watering: Water deeply from spring to fall, and wait until the soil dries out before watering again. Never let your pot sit in water, and suspend watering when the plant goes dormant in the winter.
Fertilizing: Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis benefits from fertilization during the growing season. Apply a water-soluble fertilizer for cacti and succulents. Suspend feeding during the winter when the plant goes dormant.
Repotting: Repot the cactus into a slightly larger pot every two or three years, preferably in late winter or early spring. However, repotting can be done at any time of the year.
Propagation: There are two easy ways to propagate Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis: by seeds or by dividing offsets. The best time to remove offsets is in spring and summer. Sow the seeds in late spring or summer for the best results.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria.
Toxicity of Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis
Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis is non-toxic but has sharp spines, so keep it away from children and pets.
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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