Water
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Reduce watering significantly during the cooler, dormant months to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions, which are detrimental to this succulent's health.
Also known as Silken Pincushion Cactus · Sweety
Mammillaria bombycina, the Bombycine Pincushion Cactus, is a small, clustering cactus covered in fine white hairs, native to Mexico. It produces pinkish-white flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
75% intensity
Prefers bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. Can tolerate some partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Ideal temperatures are between 18-25°C during the day. Cooler temperatures (10-15°C) are preferred in winter to encourage flowering.
Low
25% intensity
Feed with a diluted cactus fertilizer only during the growing season (spring/summer).
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Reduce watering significantly during the cooler, dormant months to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions, which are detrimental to this succulent's health.
Pruning is generally not required for Mammillaria bombycina unless removing dead or damaged parts. If offsets become too crowded or detach, they can be carefully removed and propagated separately.
Use clean tools for any necessary cuts.
Mammillaria bombycina is easily propagated from offsets (pups) that naturally form at the base of the plant. Gently detach them, allow the cut surface to callus over for a few days, and then plant in a well-draining succulent mix.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container. Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball. Repotting is best done in spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mammillaria Bombycina (Mammillaria bombycina)
Where Mammillaria Bombycina (Mammillaria bombycina) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Mammillaria |
| Species | Mammillaria bombycina |
Similar in genus Mammillaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data