Mammillaria spinosissima ‘Un Pico’

Long thin spines on easy, fast growing, globose cactus. Crown of magenta flowers appears in winter amidst copper spines. Small cactus nice in containers.
Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico'Mammillaria spinosissima 'Un Pico'
height 6–14in
width 3–5in
tolerates Drought, Deer , Heat, Pots
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 does not want to sit around totally dried out during its 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 on the dry side and won’t appreciate overwatering, though this cactus is considered easy and isn’t particularly touchy about winter rains.

Remember that if kept in a small pot your plant will want more frequent watering.
hardy
to
20F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor
Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin SE Mexico
california
native
No
sunset
zones
8, 9, 12–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

This species has variable spines and the selection ‘Un Poco’ is one of the most interesting. Spines are more dramatic in more sun. A single long spine grows from each petiole, giving the cactus tons of character. Looks furry and tolerates light touching, but pet it too hard and it’ll poke you!
Typically solitary, but occasionally develops multiple heads.