Photo of Mammillaria spinosissima flower by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Mammillaria spinosissima

Also Known As

  • Mammillaria auricoma
  • Mammillaria centraliplumosa
  • Mammillaria pitcayensis
  • Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. spinosissima
  • Mammillaria virginis
  • Red-headed Irishman

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 8"-20"
  • W: 2"-4"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Mammillaria spinosissima plant details

Mammillaria spinosissima is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and winter magenta and pink flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - bright shade and occasional - low water. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mammillaria spinosissima

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 IN - 4 IN - wide, 8 IN - 20 IN - tall
Flowers: magenta and pink blooms in spring and winter
Uses: spiky

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mammillaria spinosissima

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Light Shade. Indoor/ Outdoor (Patio). Magenta Flowers.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Gardening facts about Mammillaria spinosissima plant

How to Grow Mammillaria spinosissima

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - low
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • magenta
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Mammillaria for your garden

aka Cactus compressa, Mammillaria angularis, Mammillaria angularis, Mammillaria angularis f. compressa, Mammillaria angularis var. compressa, Neomammillaria compressa, Mother of Hundreds

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 9"-15"

  • sun - bright shade
  • occasional - low
  • dry in winter
Photo of Mammillaria compressa flower by Paradise Found Nursery
View Plant

More Options

aka Mammillaria formosa var. microthele, Mammillaria microthele

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 4"-6"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Mammillaria formosa subsp. microthele close-up, form by Stan Shebs
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aka Mammillaria armatissima, Mammillaria hamilton-hoytea, Mammillaria hamiltonhoytea, Mammillaria hastifera, Mammillaria ocotillensis

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 2"-4"

Width: 5"-7"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Mammillaria gigantea close-up, form, spiky by Stan Shebs
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aka Mammillaria brauneana, Neomammillaria brauneana, Neomammillaria klissingiana

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 4"-6"

Width: 3"-16"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Mammillaria klissingiana close-up, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Mammillaria centricirrha, Mammillaria vagaspina, Mammillaria zuccariniana

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 2"-15"

Width: 4"-24"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Mammillaria magnimamma close-up, form, spiky by Stan Shebs
View Plant
+78 more Mammillaria
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