Mammillaria spinosissima cv. ‘Un Pico’
Synonyms:
No synonyms are recorded for this species name.
Habitat:
Mammillaria spinosissima cv. ‘Un Pico’ is a nursery cultivar and it doesn’t exist in nature. It comes from the species Mammillaria spinosissima, native to the arid deserts of Mexico. It grows in rocky outcroppings and can often be found in association with other desert plants such as cacti, succulents, and shrubs. The species is well adapted to the harsh environmental conditions of its native habitat, including high temperatures, low rainfall, and strong winds.
The plant’s unique adaptations, such as its ability to store water in its stem and its spines, help it to conserve moisture and protect itself from herbivores. The spines also provide shade for the stem, reducing water loss through transpiration.
Description:
Mammillaria spinosissima cv. ‘Un Pico’ is a unique cactus, with a stable genetic mutation from the more variable spined species Mammillaria spinosissima. It’s got a columnar shape, either standing solo or slowly clumping together, with a dark blue-green color that doesn’t usually grow taller than 30 cm or wider than 10 cm. Unlike other cacti, it doesn’t have any latex. The tubercles are ovate and conical, and the axils are lightly woolly. Each areole usually only has one straight spine, ranging from 10-30 mm long, but there are sometimes 2 or 3, or even none at all. Meanwhile, there are no radial spines on this cactus. In the spring, Mammillaria spinosissima cv. ‘Un Pico’ produces small, cup-shaped flowers, usually pink or reddish-purple, adding an extra pop of color to the plant. Afterward, it produces red or greenish fruit.
Cultivation:
Mammillaria spinosissima cv. ‘Un Pico’ is a beautiful cactus species that is prized for its stunning appearance and ease of cultivation. Here are some tips for growing this amazing plant in your own home or garden:
Sunlight: This cactus loves bright, direct sunlight, so make sure to place it in a sunny spot. If you live in a hot, dry climate, you may need to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Soil: Mammillaria spinosissima cv. ‘Un Pico’ grows best in a well-draining cactus mix or a mixture of sand and compost. Make sure the soil stays dry and never let it get waterlogged.
Water: This species is a desert cactus and can withstand long periods of drought, so don’t overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Potting: This cactus doesn’t mind being root-bound, so you can keep it in the same pot for several years. However, if you do need to re-pot, do it in the spring when the plant is actively growing.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of Mammillaria spinosissima cv. ‘Un Pico’ for years to come. It’s a low-maintenance plant that’s easy to grow and will add a unique touch of beauty to any collection or garden!
Propagation:
Propagating Mammillaria spinosissima cv. ‘Un Pico’ is relatively easy and can be done through seed or offsets. To propagate from seed, sow the seeds in well-draining cactus mix and keep the soil moist but not wet. Provide bright, indirect light and high humidity until the seedlings have established their roots. To propagate from offsets, simply remove offsets from the parent plant and pot them in well-draining cactus mix. Water sparingly until roots have formed, then gradually increase water as the new plant establishes itself. Both methods can be done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Remember, cacti have a slow growth rate, so be patient and keep the conditions suitable for the plant’s growth.
Curiosity:
The cultivar name “Un Pico” means “one peak” in Spanish, referring maybe to the single, central stem that this plant forms. The species name “spinosissima”, instead, means “very spiny”, referring to the densely crowded spines of this species.
Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com
Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com
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