Mammillaria bombycina
Silky nipple cactus
Also known as Neomammillaria bombycina
- Height × spread
- 0.14m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Flowers
- Winter, Spring
Availability
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Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes clumps of individual stems that make a spreading colony. The individual stems are rather flattened globes that measure up to 14 centimetres in height, sometimes half that, with a diameter of up to 6 centimetres. They are plentifully covered in white wool with bristles. The main spines are coloured yellow, darker at the tip, some hooked, some straight. The flowers are funnel shaped and coloured white or pale pink and are followed by pinkish green fruits that have red-brown seeds within.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Green, Pink
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 0.14m
- Spread
- 1m
- Spread in 10 years
- 0.06m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Winter, Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 10C minimum temperature
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves & stems are prickly/thorny
Spring
Spring-Summer · Indoors
Feed with cactus feed
Use specialist cactus feed and apply monthly from April to August, using the quantity advised on the label.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Winter
Winter · Indoors
Water sparingly during dormancy
In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.
When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.
Planting & general
Indoor temperature · Planting
10C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.
Compost · Planting
Cactus compost for repotting
Use standard cactus compost. Top the soil with grit or granite chips to ensure perfect drainage around plant stem. Repot when the plant is dry and delay watering for 3 days after repotting.
You can also make own compost using 3 parts John Innes no. 2, 1 part horticultural grit, and 1 part horticultural grade perlite or pumice. There are many 'recipes' available and opinions vary widely - consult specialist literature or websites.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a sunny spot, eg windowsill
Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible. It is suitable for sunny windowsills as it can cope with high day temperatures and lower night temperatures.
Found in
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