Mammillaria parkinsonii
Mammillaria parkinsonii
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🖨 Print-friendly care cardAt a Glance
| Botanical name | Mammillaria parkinsonii |
|---|---|
| Common name(s) | Mammillaria parkinsonii |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Plant type | succulent |
| Position | Not recorded |
| Soil | Well-drained standard cactus compost; protected from winter damp. |
| Toxicity | Not yet established. Do not assume this plant is safe for people or pets. |
| Native range | Queretaro, Mexico |
Growing owl's-eye pincushion cactus
Mammillaria parkinsonii is a compact spiny cactus that suits a bright, frost-free greenhouse or indoor growing position. Give it standard cactus compost with good drainage and low humidity. Use a pot with drainage holes and protect the stems from persistent damp.
Watering through the growing year
Water moderately during active growth, allowing the compost to drain, and feed occasionally with a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser. In winter, when growth slows, keep the pot almost dry. Waterlogging at low temperatures is a common cause of failure.
Propagation and pest prevention
This cactus can be grown from seed sown in spring in suitable warmth or propagated from offsets where they develop. It needs no routine pruning. Examine crevices for mealybugs and avoid leaving water trapped against stems.
Source: RHS gardening guidance. Advice is adapted to UK growing conditions.
Pests and Diseases
| Problem | Symptoms | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Root rot | Stem becomes soft, mushy and discoloured, often starting at the base. | Ensure fast-draining gritty compost and water only when the soil is completely dry. |
| Mealybugs | White, cottony fluff appears in stem crevices and around the base. | Isolate plant and treat with insecticidal soap or a systemic insecticide. |
| Scale insects | Small, immobile brown or white bumps attached to the stems. | Remove manually with alcohol-dipped cotton bud or apply horticultural oil. |
| Overwatering | Plant appears shrivelled yet soil remains wet; stem may turn translucent. | Reduce watering frequency and improve drainage to prevent waterlogging. |
| Sunburn | Patches of bleached, brown or scorched skin on the upper surface. | Acclimatise gradually to bright light and avoid direct midday summer sun. |
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