These perennial cacti form a globular to cylindrical or columnar habit and have downy areoles with silky bristles or sharp curved spines that are surrounded by flattened tubercles. The red, yellow, white or pink funnel-shaped flowers appear in summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11

Mammillaria species are naturally found in North America growing in Mexico and extending to Southern or Central America and the West Indies. 

There is a large variety of species and generally they grow in gritty very well drained moderately fertile soils in an open sunny position, tolerating hot conditions. They are drought and slightly frost tolerant. 

The Pincushion Cacti are grown for their globular habit and their small bright flowers. They are commonly used as potted house plants or grown in cacti gardens. They are also used in pebble and arid gardens tolerating hot dry conditions. They are slow growing and establish in 3-4 years and watering should br reduced during winter. If the temperatures fall below 16º C they should be place in glasshouse or protected area. ID 705

Note:
This genus of plants needs protection from wet winters as they easily rot in damp soils and if the conditions are dry they will tolerate mild frosts.

Mammillaria (măm-i-LAH-ree-a) species

“Mammillaria”, Latin word meaning “nipples”, referring to the tubercles on the body of the cactus.

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)