Huitzilopochtli's Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria huitzilopochtli)

Huitzilopochtli's Pincushion Cactus

Mammillaria huitzilopochtli

Its tight spines form a geometric crown of desert resilience. Clumping pincushion cactus.

Full sun
0.5/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Requires full direct sunlight for healthy growth; tolerate partial shade during extreme summer heat
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Watering Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to 5°C; protect from frost and prolonged temperatures below 10°C in winter
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Reduced to sharp radial spines (15–20 per areole) and 1–2 central spines per areole
  • Flower: Pale pink to white funnel-shaped blooms, 1–2 cm diameter, forming a ring around the crown
  • Stem: Green globular to cylindrical stems covered in raised tubercles with woolly areoles
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Care Guide

Watering

Water when soil is fully dry (every 7–10 days)

Fertilization

Diluted cactus fertilizer once monthly. Use low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus feed to support blooming

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per pot to boost soil calcium content and improve drainage
Pruning
  • Gently remove dead, shriveled offsets to propagate new plants
  • Trim any damaged spines or discolored tubercles to maintain plant health
  • Avoid overhandling to prevent spine breakage
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from handling or ingestion

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental succulent for rock gardens, succulent arrangements, and indoor windowsill collections