Mammillaria spinosissima aka Spiny Pincushion Cactus

With its straightforward care requirements, Spiny Pincushion Cactus is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Spiny Pincushion Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

The Spiny Pincushion Cactus is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Spiny Pincushion Cactus 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 Un Pico will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

During the wintertime, it is common for Spiny Pincushion Cactus plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Spiny Pincushion Cactus prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

The Spiny Pincushion Cactus is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

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