Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico' is a popular and striking cultivar of Mammillaria spinosissima distinguished by a stable genetic mutation that results in only one sharp, central spine per areole, unlike the typical species, which has a dense arrangement of multiple, multicolored spines. This cultivar has a cleaner, more geometric appearance, and many of its areoles are often completely spineless. Collectors highly value it for its unique look, beginner-friendly cultivation, and the stunning ring of flowers it produces in the spring.
Taxonomy of Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico'
Scientific Name
Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico' (informal name)
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Subtribe: Cactinae
Genus: Mammillaria
Etymology
The generic name "Mammillaria" (pronounced "mam-mil-AR-ee-uh") means "nipple-bearing" and refers to the distinctive nipple-like tubercles that cover the stems of the plants within the genus.
The specific epithet "spinosissima" (pronounced "spin-oh-SIS-ee-muh") means "most spiny; spiniest" and refers to the stems of the species, which are densely covered with spines.
The cultivar epithet 'Un Pico' means "one spine," or more literally "one point" or "one peak," in Spanish.
Origin of Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico'
Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico' is a cultivar of Mammillaria spinosissima. Although its origin is unknown, this popular plant has been cultivated in Europe since before 1991 and has never been formally published or registered. It is an informal cultivar name that has become widely established in horticulture through long-standing use.
Description of Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico'
Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico' is an attractive cactus with a dark blue-green, columnar stem that has only one spine per areole. Usually, this cactus grows as a solitary stem, although it can occasionally produce offsets at the base, forming a dense clump over time. The stem can reach heights of up to 1 foot (30 cm) and a diameter of 4 inches (10 cm). The tubercles are ovate-conical, 4-sided basally, with slightly woolly axils. The spines can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long.
In spring, Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico' produces purple-red flowers that can reach a diameter of 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). The flowers form an attractive ring around the top of the stem.
How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico'
Light: For optimal growth of your Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico', ensure it is planted in an area that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place the cactus near a bright window to ensure it gets enough light. It is advisable to keep it on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall, to make the most of 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 'Un Pico' 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°F to 50°F (-6.7°C 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 'Un Pico' benefits from fertilizing 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 'Un Pico': 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 'Un Pico'
Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico' is non-toxic but has sharp spines, so keep it away from children and pets.
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Mammillaria.
- Explore all plants within the family Cactaceae.