Silken Pincushion Cactus

$10.00

The Mammillaria bombycina, often called the Silken Pincushion Cactus, is a charming, miniature treasure perfect for any windowsill or container garden. This popular cactus from Mexico is celebrated for its unique, dual-textured spination and compact, clustering growth habit.

The small, globular to cylindrical stems are densely covered in a captivating network of spines. It gets its "silken" name from the abundant, fine, white radial spines that give the plant a soft, woolly, or downy appearance. Contrasting beautifully with this delicate white silk are a few longer, stouter, hooked central spines that typically range in color from striking reddish-brown to copper.

As a mature plant, the Silken Pincushion Cactus readily offsets, eventually forming attractive, dense clumps that spill over the sides of containers. Every spring, it produces a spectacular crown of deep rose-pink or light carmine funnel-shaped flowers that ring the top of the plant, adding a vibrant pop of color.

Easy to grow and highly drought-tolerant, Mammillaria bombycina thrives in bright light and minimal water, making it an ideal, low-maintenance choice for both novice and experienced collectors.

All potted plants are local pickup only. Shipped plants will be bare root (no pot or soil).

The Mammillaria bombycina, often called the Silken Pincushion Cactus, is a charming, miniature treasure perfect for any windowsill or container garden. This popular cactus from Mexico is celebrated for its unique, dual-textured spination and compact, clustering growth habit.

The small, globular to cylindrical stems are densely covered in a captivating network of spines. It gets its "silken" name from the abundant, fine, white radial spines that give the plant a soft, woolly, or downy appearance. Contrasting beautifully with this delicate white silk are a few longer, stouter, hooked central spines that typically range in color from striking reddish-brown to copper.

As a mature plant, the Silken Pincushion Cactus readily offsets, eventually forming attractive, dense clumps that spill over the sides of containers. Every spring, it produces a spectacular crown of deep rose-pink or light carmine funnel-shaped flowers that ring the top of the plant, adding a vibrant pop of color.

Easy to grow and highly drought-tolerant, Mammillaria bombycina thrives in bright light and minimal water, making it an ideal, low-maintenance choice for both novice and experienced collectors.

All potted plants are local pickup only. Shipped plants will be bare root (no pot or soil).

Mammillaria bombycina

Key Features:

  • Appearance: Distinctive, dual spination with soft, silky white radial spines and sharp, hooked red-brown central spines.

  • Flowers: Gorgeous ring of deep rose-pink flowers in the spring.

  • Growth: Forms attractive, clumping clusters over time.

  • Maintenance: Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, perfect for indoor or outdoor containers (in frost-free climates).


At-Home Care

Every purchase comes bundled with a free subscription to Greg, the award-winning plant care app and community.

You'll receive plant care reminders, plant health tips, and help from a community of other customers that will ensure you become a pro plant parent in no time.