Photo by Karl Gercens III
Used with permission, all rights reserved
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
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
By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens
Garden photo gallery of Mammillaria spinosissima
By: Dick Culbert
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.
View Original PhotoGardening 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
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
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
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
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
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved