Mammillaria rhodantha (Rainbow Pincushion)

Mammillaria rhodantha (Rainbow Pincushion) is a small columnar cactus that tends to form large clumps over time. The short, cylindrical, dark green stems, up to 16 in. tall (40 cm) and 5 in. wide (12 cm), are covered with prominent tubercles and spines that grow from the areoles at the tip of the tubercles. The slightly curved central spines are red-brown or pale to golden yellow, up to 0.6 in. (1.5 cm) long. The radial spines are creamy-white and up to 0.4 in. (1 cm) long. White wool can be seen growing on the top part of the plant body. Blooming for months from spring to fall, deep-pink to purple, funnel-shaped flowers, up to 0.9 in. (2.2 cm), appear in a ring near the apex of the stem. Easy to grow, this adorable cactus is perfect for containers. It can be grown as a houseplant, but also grows well outdoors in frost-free climates. Protect from cold, as this species is frost sensitive and only hardy to 23°F (-5°C) for brief periods.

• Slowly grows up to 6-16 in. tall (15-40 cm).
• Easily grown in a very porous potting media in full sun or bright filtered light. Water moderately when in growth. Make sure you let the soil dry out between waterings. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep the plant dry in winter.
• Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer. Drought tolerant.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for mealybugs.
• Propagate by seeds or by dividing offsets. The best time to remove offsets is in spring and summer. Sow the seeds in late spring or summer.
• Native to Mexico.