This globular cactus is solitary or sometimes forms a clump with spiny cylindrical dark green stems. The tubercles are pyramidal with dense wool in the axils and the areoles have up to 7 white spines. The white-pink funnel-shaped flowers appear in summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11 

Mammillaria sempervivi is naturally found in central Mexico growing in gravelly well-drained soils and tolerating dry conditions. it prefers an open sunny position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

This Pincushion Cacti is grown for its rounded habit and its attractive small flowers. It is planted in cacti gardens or as a container plant for both indoor and outdoor use. It is also used in arid gardens or in rockeries. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and rarely has offsets. In cool climates grow under glass with little humidity and a minimum temperature of 10ºC (50ºF). ID 1480

Mammillaria (măm-i-LAH-ree-a) sempervivi (sem-PER-ve-vee)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)