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Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis (Bristle brush cactus)
1 hour care
per year
per year
0.5m
Max height
Max height
0.2m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis
Other names
Bristle brush cactus, Mammillaria pilcayensis, Irish red-head
Genus
Mammillaria Mammillaria
Species
M. spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis - M. spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis is a tender cactus with a solitary, cylindrical, dark blue-green stem, yellow to greyish-white spines, and, in spring and summer, funnel-shaped, bright pink to magenta flowers blooming in a ring near the crown of the stem.
Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis is: Evergreen
Habit
Erect
Toxicity
Plant has spines; use extreme caution when handling.
Flower
Bright-pink, Magenta in Spring; Magenta, Bright-pink in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Mealybugs Mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis (Bristle brush cactus) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.2m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Gravel, Indoor, Rock
Cultivation
Grow indoors in cactus compost in bright, filtered light with low humidity. Water moderately in growth and feed every 2-3 weeks. Keep almost dry in winter. Outdoors grow in sharply-drained soil in full sun with midday shade in the hottest climates.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis
Other names
Bristle brush cactus, Mammillaria pilcayensis, Irish red-head
Genus
Mammillaria Mammillaria
Species
M. spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis - M. spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis is a tender cactus with a solitary, cylindrical, dark blue-green stem, yellow to greyish-white spines, and, in spring and summer, funnel-shaped, bright pink to magenta flowers blooming in a ring near the crown of the stem.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Erect
Toxicity
Plant has spines; use extreme caution when handling.
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Colour
Flower
Bright-pink, Magenta in Spring; Magenta, Bright-pink in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Mammillaria spinosissima subsp. pilcayensis (Bristle brush cactus) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.2m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Gravel, Indoor, Rock
Cultivation
Grow indoors in cactus compost in bright, filtered light with low humidity. Water moderately in growth and feed every 2-3 weeks. Keep almost dry in winter. Outdoors grow in sharply-drained soil in full sun with midday shade in the hottest climates.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10
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| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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DISCUSS THIS PLANT
do the roots need to be wet when planted
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