Sign In 
Get Premium Silken Pincushion Cactus
(Mammillaria bombycina)
Silken Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria bombycina)
/
/
Dornenwolf
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Dornenwolf
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Dornenwolf | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Dornenwolf | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Mammillaria bombycina, commonly known as Silken Pincushion Cactus, is an evergreen succulent native to the arid landscapes of Central Mexico, where it thrives in rocky outcrops and slopes. It reaches a modest height of 20 cm (8 in) and can spread indefinitely through the formation of offsets. This cactus is characterized by its bulbous tubercles adorned with downy white hairs, short white spines, and distinctive longer brown curved spines. During spring and summer, it produces circular clusters of deep pink flowers on its upper surface, adding to its ornamental value. The flowers are quite showy, attracting pollinators and adding a splash of color to the cactus’ appearance.
The Silken Pincushion Cactus is celebrated for its ease of maintenance and is a popular choice among cacti enthusiasts. It is often grown under glass with heat in temperate regions and requires full sun exposure to thrive. Its drought tolerance and low water requirements make it an ideal plant for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in cultivation. Propagation is typically done through seeds collected from ripe fruits. While generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or if the soil does not provide adequate drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Silken Pincushion Cactus is celebrated for its ease of maintenance and is a popular choice among cacti enthusiasts. It is often grown under glass with heat in temperate regions and requires full sun exposure to thrive. Its drought tolerance and low water requirements make it an ideal plant for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in cultivation. Propagation is typically done through seeds collected from ripe fruits. While generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or if the soil does not provide adequate drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 0.7-1 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Arid landscapes of Central Mexico, particularly rocky outcrops and slopes
Other Names
Common Names: Seidiger Warzenkaktus
Scientific Names: , Mammillaria bombycina, Mammillaria cordigera,
GBIF Accepted Name: Mammillaria bombycina Quehl