Scientific Name
Mammillaria zeilmanniana Boed.
Common Name(s)
Rose Pincushion Cactus
Synonym(s)
Chilita zeilmanniana, Ebnerella zeilmanniana, Mammillaria crinita subsp. zeilmanniana, Mammillaria crinita f. zeilmanniana, Neomammillaria zeilmanniana
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Subtribe: Cactinae
Genus: Mammillaria
Description
Mammillaria zeilmanniana is a small cactus with glossy green, globular to cylindrical stems with oval tubercles tipped with clusters of spines. The stems grow up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) tall and 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 4 (the upper three straight, the lowest hooked) reddish central spines and 15 to 18 soft hair-like white radial spines. The areoles are woolly when young.
The flowers are pale pinkish-violet or purple with yellowish stigmas. Rings of flowers are present most of the year.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °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 it 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 zeilmanniana is native to Mexico.
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Mammillaria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
