Mammillaria hahniana aka Old Lady Pincushion

Taxonomy

Mammillaria hahniana, commonly known as the old lady cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae. Native to central Mexico, this succulent grows up to 25 cm (10 in) tall and spreads to about 50 cm (20 in) wide. Its solitary spherical stems, measuring around 12 cm in diameter, are covered in white down and adorned with white spines. In spring and summer, this cactus bears beautiful reddish-purple flowers, sometimes forming a complete ring around the top of the plant. Following the flowers, small red fruits emerge. With its unique appearance, M. hahniana can be a captivating addition to any home or garden. The plant is classified as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN Red List, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.

Common names

Old Lady Pincushion, Old Lady Cactus

How to care for Old Lady Pincushion

Difficulty

Old Lady Pincushion is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Old Lady Pincushion does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When it comes to the Old Lady Pincushion, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

Old Lady Pincushion requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Old Lady Pincushion will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Old Lady Pincushion to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

Old Lady Pincushion enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The growth of Old Lady Pincushion is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Old Lady Pincushion’s native range is the Southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia