Cochemiea setispina

pincushion cactus
Red-flowered pincushion cactus. Keep dry in winter, then give a good soak in summer for showy bloom. Baja California native.
height 8–24in
width 1–3ft
tolerates Cold, Drought, Heat, Pots, Rooftops, Salt, Wind
water
needs
Low
water
info
Most cactus are from the deserts of the world and as such like to go totally bone dry between waterings, making them very low-maintenance. If you see your cactus begin to shrivel or lose firmness, your cactus is likely totally dry and should be watered. To get good healthy growth your plant doesn’t want to sit around totally dried out during it’s growing season. Once it is dry water it.

This cactus comes from an area with summer rainfall and is actively growing during that time, when it is forgiving of overwatering errors. During winter dormancy it should be kept extra dry and will be intolerant of overwatering.

Remember that if kept in a small pot your plant will want more frequent watering.
hardy
to
18F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor
Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Requires Perfect Drainage
fertilizing Low Needs
origin Baja, Mexico
california
native
No
sunset
zones
8, 9, 12–23

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

This particular cactus is very sensitive to overwatering and should have extra mineral drainage added to the mix to keep it happy. Mixing cactus mix 50:50 with pumice is advised.
Reports suggest that this cactus prefers a mildly acidic location, if you find your cactus is yellowing try adding iron or sulfur.