Plants in genus mammillaria
Mammillaria plumosa
Mammillaria plumosa is a cactus native to Northeastern Mexico, recognized for its white downy spines and small white or greenish-yellow flowers. It grows to about 12 cm tall and 40 cm broad and is listed as 'Near Threatened' by the IUCN. This cactus must be grown under glass with heat in temperate regions and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Mammillaria polythele
Mammillaria polythele is a nursery-produced cactus cultivar native to Mexico, known for its cylindrical stems and rose to pinkish-purple flowers. It prefers lots of sun and dry conditions, making it ideal for drought-tolerant gardens.
Mammillaria schwarzii
Mammillaria schwarzii is a rare cactus endemic to Guanajuato, Mexico, rediscovered in 1987. It features white flowers with red or pink midstripes and is slow-growing, requiring careful watering and gritty soil. High light levels encourage dense spination, making it a unique addition to cactus collections.
Mammillaria longiflora ssp. longiflora
Mammillaria longiflora ssp. longiflora is a cactus known for its purple flowers and fleshy stems. It requires very well-draining soil and is sensitive to overwatering, making it somewhat challenging to grow into clumps. This cactus is dormant in winter, needing minimal water, and is somewhat frost-tolerant. It thrives in full sun but requires afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent sunburn. The plant is native to Chihuahua and prefers high light levels for optimal flowering and spine development.
Mammillaria painteri
Mammillaria painteri is a small cactus native to Mexico, known for its globose mounds covered in spines and its ability to withstand low temperatures. It produces clusters of greenish-white or yellowish flowers in spring and summer and prefers bright, filtered light. This cactus is sensitive to red spider mites and requires a regular cactus potting mix.
Mammillaria fittkaui
Mammillaria fittkaui is a fast-growing cactus native to Mexico, with dark-green cylindrical stems and white to cream flowers. It prefers bright sunlight and well-draining soil, making it a resilient addition to any cactus collection.
Mammillaria bombycina ssp. perezdelarosae
Mammillaria bombycina ssp. perezdelarosae is a cactus known for its rounded-columnar growth and vibrant purple flowers that bloom in late winter. It requires regular watering with a dry period in between and is dormant in winter. This plant needs high light levels and protection from frost, thriving in full morning sun with afternoon shade in hot areas.
Mammillaria fittkaui ssp. limonensis
Mammillaria fittkaui ssp. limonensis is a drought-tolerant succulent that naturally grows in sunny areas. It requires porous, well-draining soil and has various methods of reproduction. This cactus is known for its unusual features and is a resilient addition to any collection.
Mammillaria pringlei
Mammillaria pringlei is a cactus native to Mexico, recognized for its compact form and white spines. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, highlighting its ornamental value.
Mammillaria candida
Mammillaria candida, also known as the 'Snowball Cactus', originates from Northeastern Mexico. It features yellow flowers with pink veins and grows quickly. This cactus prefers partial sunlight and is frost-tolerant down to 23°F.
Mammillaria huitzilopochtli
This spherical dark green globe cactus from Oaxaca, Mexico, has dense spines that curve inwards and rings of bright pink/magenta flowers. It is frost tender below 32°F (0°C) and requires light shade, moderate water, and well-drained soil, thriving in USDA zones 10b-11.
Mammillaria albicoma
Mammillaria albicoma is a fuzzy, soft, dense white hairy cactus endemic to Mexico, specifically the hot deserts of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. It is threatened by habitat loss but is known for its frost tolerance, hardy to 28°F. This cactus has a clumping growth habit and blooms with white to greenish-yellow flowers, making it a distinctive addition to any cactus collection.
Mammillaria spinosissima ssp. pilcayensis
Mammillaria spinosissima ssp. pilcayensis is a compact cactus native to Mexico, with finer and whiter/yellower spines compared to its relatives. It produces rings of intense red flowers in summer and has solitary, columnar stems up to 20 inches long. The plant prefers bright light with some direct sun and is frost-tender, requiring temperatures above 40°F.
Mammillaria glassii ssp. ascensionis
Mammillaria glassii ssp. ascensionis, commonly known as the Powder Puff Cactus, is a small, clustering cactus with short hair-like bristles and light pink flowers with yellow centers. It is native to Mexico and thrives in USDA Zones 9b-11, tolerating temperatures as low as 25°F. This cactus prefers light shade and requires good drainage, making it ideal for rock gardens or container planting.
Mammillaria matudae
Mammillaria matudae, commonly known as the Thumb Cactus, is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in bright light and well-draining soil. It requires minimal watering and prefers a south-facing location. This cactus is free-flowering, relatively fast-growing, and hardy down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best repotted at the end of winter to encourage growth.