Cactaceae
Mexican Pincushion (Mammillaria magnimamma)
Mammillaria magnimamma
It likes sun and very little water, in loose gritty soil. Water through summer and keep it nearly dry in winter. Mealybugs are the main threat, especially on roots and new growth.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
5° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Mexican Pincushion?
Mexican Pincushion (Mammillaria magnimamma) is a easy-care plant from the Cactaceae family. Mexican pincushion is a cactus from central Mexico, common in dry, rocky places from 100 to 2,700 m. It starts as a single blue-green ball about 13 cm across and over time forms clumps up to 50 cm wide. In spring it opens a crown of pink or cream flowers, sometimes red. Dark red club-shaped fruits f...
Mexican Pincushion grows up to 30cm, spread of 50cm, watering every 14 days. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Mexican Pincushion tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Mexican Pincushion is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Mexican Pincushion?
TLDR: Mexican Pincushion needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 5-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Mexican Pincushion?
From late winter to late summer, water once the soil has dried out completely. Cut back in fall and keep it nearly dry in winter.
How Much Light Does Mexican Pincushion Need?
Full sun, avoiding only the harshest summer sun. In low light it grows soft and flowers less.
What Is the Best Soil for Mexican Pincushion?
Use a cactus mix with plenty of coarse sand or grit and little organic matter.
What Pot Should You Use for Mexican Pincushion?
A shallow pot with a drainage hole. Repot every 2 to 3 years.
Care Schedule
Repot
Every 900 days
What Is Mexican Pincushion and Where Does It Come From?
Mexican pincushion is a cactus from central Mexico, common in dry, rocky places from 100 to 2,700 m. It starts as a single blue-green ball about 13 cm across and over time forms clumps up to 50 cm wide. In spring it opens a crown of pink or cream flowers, sometimes red. Dark red club-shaped fruits follow. In Mexico they're called chilitos, little chilies.
How to Propagate Mexican Pincushion?
Offsets
Do this in spring or summer, and don't water right after planting.
- 1 Remove an offset about a third of the parent's size.
- 2 Let the cut dry.
- 3 Plant it in coarse grit and wait for it to root.
Materials needed:
From seed
Seedlings grow slowly, so give them time.
- 1 Scatter seed on cactus mix.
- 2 Keep it between 21 and 27 °C (70-80 °F).
- 3 Keep it slightly moist until seedlings appear.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Mexican Pincushion Grow?
TLDR: Mexican Pincushion can reach up to 30cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
30cm
Spread
50cm
Growth rate
Slow
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Mexican Pincushion?
TLDR: Mexican Pincushion is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, soft-bodied, winged insects closely related to aphids and mealybugs. They are moth-like in appearance, about 1/16 inch long, triangular in shape, and gray-white in color. These sap-sucking pests feed on plant tissue, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and wilting. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth. Whiteflies can transmit serious plant viruses.
Fun Facts
In Mexico the fruits are called chilitos, little chilies, because of their shape.
It's one of the few cacti that settle on bare lava fields.
Its bumps hold a milky sap.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water it?
There's white fuzz on it. Is that mealybugs?
How much cold can it take?
Is it toxic to cats and dogs?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
