Log in Start trial

Pincushion Cactus

Mammillaria Tetrancistra

Design with this plant

Overview

The Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria tetrancistra) is a compact, globular species, growing 2 to 6 inches tall and wide, ideal for rock gardens. It features dense spines and pink blossoms in spring. Thrives in USDA Zones 9-11, preferring full sun and well-draining soil. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between watering. Its low-maintenance and drought-tolerant nature makes it a practical choice for water-wise landscapes.

Sun Full, HalfWater Very LowZones 9–10Type Cactus

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — which encircle the cactus crown; water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between watering, image 68

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Very Low
USDA zones: 9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type: Cactus
Family: Cactaceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (132)

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — It features dense spines and pink blossoms in spring; as it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between watering; its low-maintenance and drought-tolerant nature

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — It features dense spines and pink blossoms in spring; as it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered, image 81

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — sustainable garden design; growing 2 to 6 inches tall and wide

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — makes it perfect for rock gardens; it features dense spines and pink blossoms in spring

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — providing a dramatic contrast against its green spherical body

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — cactus for full or half; sustainable garden design, image 78

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — a crucial aspect to ensure its health

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — typically reaching a height of 2 to 6 inches and a spread of similarly 2 to 4 inches; this desert gem pairs well

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — This desert gem pairs well with other xeriscape plants that share its low-water requirements; consider its need

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — Minimal maintenance is required; occasional watering during dry spells is sufficient to sustain its, image 97

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — cactus for full or half

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — as it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered; minimal maintenance is required; occasional watering during dry

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — consider its need for space to allow for future growth and avoid overcrowding; spring and summer, image 73

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — Its low-maintenance and drought-tolerant nature makes it a practical choice for water-wise, image 58

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — sustainable garden design

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — When incorporating Mammillaria tetrancistra into your design; well-suited for adding a touch of, image 98

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — cactus for full or half; sustainable garden design, image 104

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — well-suited for adding a touch of unique texture and form to any arid landscape; when incorporating, image 111

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — well-suited for adding a touch of unique texture and form to any arid landscape; when incorporating Mammillaria

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — It features dense spines and pink blossoms in spring; as it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered, image 107

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — Thrives in USDA Zones 9-11, preferring full sun and well-draining soil; cactus with pink blooms, image 56

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — consider its need for space to allow for future growth and avoid overcrowding; spring and summer bring a

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Tetrancistra) — pink flowers in the garden; this cactus thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11

Photographs by 12 contributors

Jim Morefield from Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
brewbooks from near Seattle, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
GeoO, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Florent Chouffot, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Amante Darmanin from Malta, CC BY 2.0 · source
Jarek Tuszyński, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
USFWS Mountain-Prairie, CC BY 2.0 · source
Peter A. Mansfeld, CC BY 3.0 · source
Consultaplantas, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Dandy1022, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Related plants

Argentine Saguaro (Echinopsis Terscheckii) — cactus for full

Cactus

Argentine Saguaro

Echinopsis Terscheckii

FullUSDA 9–10

Balloon Cactus (Parodia Magnifica) — cactus for full; the Balloon Cactus will enhance any landscape design with its unique shape and alluring, image 72

Cactus

Balloon Cactus

Parodia Magnifica

FullUSDA 9–11

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — and its carefree maintenance requirements will assure them of its suitability for their garden

Cactus

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntia Basilaris

FullUSDA 7–11

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — It features large, flat, blue-green pads, with contrasting long black spines up to 2 inches long

Cactus

Black-Spine Prickly Pear

Opuntia Macrocentra

FullUSDA 8–11

Blue Candle (Myrtillocactus Geometrizans) — dark red fruits resembling blueberries; which transform into edible

Cactus

Blue Candle

Myrtillocactus Geometrizans

FullUSDA 9–10

Blue Cereus (Cereus Hexagonus) — offers a distinctive sculptural aesthetic to any landscape design

Cactus

Blue Cereus

Cereus Hexagonus

FullUSDA 9–10