Mammillaria spinosissima - Red-Headed Irishman

Highlights

Red-Headed Irishman (Mammillaria spinosissima) (Lemaire): A solitary, cylindrical cactus with rusty red spines. The dark green stems are covered with angular tubercles that bear thin, white to reddish brown spines. It blooms with a crown of bright, magenta flowers atop its stem in spring. In its native habitat in Mexico it can reach 20.0" in height and 3.0" in diameter.

This cactus variety will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures it can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. Cactus need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 70% to 80% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply and wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again.

Full Cactus Guide

Product Size

2.0" Pot

Current Primary Color

Red

All Seasonal Colors

Green

All Seasonal Colors

White

Bloom Color

Pink Bloom

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Bright Indoor Light

Recommended Light Conditions

Full Sun

Maximum Height

Under 3"

Growth Habit / Shape

Vertical Grower / Tall Stem

Special Characteristic

Showy Blooms

Special Characteristic

Slow Grower

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+

10

WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?

Zip Code

GO

0

Videos

Questions & Answers