Mammillaria winterae aka Hedgehog

Taxonomy

Common names

Hedgehog

How to care for Hedgehog

Difficulty

Hedgehog presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Hedgehog does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Hedgehog, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Hedgehog prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Hedgehog to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Hedgehog prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Hedgehog is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Hedgehog’s native range is the Southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia