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Mammillaria hahniana - Old lady cactus

Mammillaria hahniana
Old lady cactus, old lady of Mexico, old lady pincushion, old woman cactus

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A globular cactus that becomes cylindrical at maturity, native to Mexico, prized for its skin covered in long, silky white hairs and its spring flowering in a crown, ranging from purple to pink. Quite easy to grow indoors, it requires a very bright south-facing position with direct sunlight, a well-draining soil, and moderate watering. In a pretty pot, it makes a fine addition to a collection of cacti and succulents.  
Watering frequency
Low (once a fortnight)
Indoor exposure
Direct bright light, Direct sunlight
Benefits and advantages
Graphics port
Benefits and advantages
Flowering
Benefits and advantages
Requires little water

Description

Mammillaria hahniana, nicknamed "Old Lady Cactus" by English speakers, is a globose then cylindrical cactus, prized for its abundant flowering. Native to central Mexico, it is characterised by a green skin covered in soft white hairs and its ability to produce numerous offsets. In spring and summer, even when quite young, it displays a crown of pinkish-purple to reddish flowers. It is compact in size and fits easily into an indoor cactus collection.

Belonging to the Cactaceae family, Mammillaria hahniana is native to central Mexico, particularly the regions of Guanajuato, Querétaro and San Luis Potosí. It reaches up to 25 cm in height and 50 cm in width. It has a spherical stem, slightly flattened at the top, measuring up to 12 cm in diameter. The areoles, located at the tip of weakly quadrangular pyramidal tubercles, are covered in white wool, a characteristic of the Mammillaria genus. This species is easily recognised by its soft, fine white hairs, which can densely cover its body and become thicker, more abundant and longer with age. The 20 to 30 radial spines are thin and flexible, white to yellowish, measuring between 3 and 8 mm long. The central spines, often absent, are short and inconspicuous when present. Flowering, typically observed between March and May, produces small diurnal tubular flowers, bright pinkish-purple to reddish, arranged in a crown around the apex. After flowering, elongated reddish fruits may appear, containing small black seeds. Over time, this cactus can form dense clumps through the production of lateral offsets.

In a succulent collectionMammillaria hahniana pairs perfectly with other species of varied forms and colours. It can be combined with globose cacti such as Echinopsis subdenudata, or striking succulents like Echeveria agavoides and Haworthia fasciata. Placed on a cactus tray or in a minimalist terracotta pot, it adds an exotic and elegant touch to your interior while being easy to care for.

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Mammillaria hahniana - Old lady cactus in pictures

Mammillaria hahniana - Old lady cactus (Flowering) Flowering
Mammillaria hahniana - Old lady cactus (Foliage) Foliage
Mammillaria hahniana - Old lady cactus (Plant habit) Plant habit
Mammillaria hahniana - Old lady cactus (Harvest) Harvest

Foliage

Foliage colour green
Foliage persistence Evergreen

Plant habit

Growth habit Ball
Height at maturity 15 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time February to April
Flower size 1 cm

Botanical data

Genus

Mammillaria

Species

hahniana

Family

Cactaceae

Other common names

Old lady cactus, old lady of Mexico, old lady pincushion, old woman cactus

Origin

Central America

Safety measures

Epineux ?
Product reference24169

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Location

To cultivate Mammillaria hahniana indoors, it is recommended to place it in a very bright spot, ideally near a south-facing window. In autumn and winter, during its dormant period, it is advisable to significantly reduce watering to avoid any risk of rot. This cactus prefers temperatures between 15 and 25°C but can occasionally tolerate drops as low as 5°C. You can place it outdoors during the warmer months.

Location

Indoor exposure Direct bright light, Direct sunlight
For which room? Office, Lounge, Veranda
Growth habit Ball
Height at maturity 15 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate slow
Low temperature tolerance Frost protection (cold greenhouse), >10°C (temperate greenhouse)
Humidity level Moderate (40-60%), Dry (<40%)

Maintenance and care

Water moderately, allowing the compost to dry out between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to once a month.

Potting advice, substrates and fertilisers

Preferably repot at the beginning of spring, every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant becomes too large for its pot. The new container should be slightly larger, without being excessive. You can take advantage of repotting to divide the plant by removing offsets.
Use a mix of succulent compost with draining elements such as coarse sand or perlite. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Apply a liquid fertiliser specially formulated for succulent plants (low in nitrogen, for example NPK 2-7-7), to be applied once a month during the growth period.

Houseplant care

No pruning is required.

Disease and pest advice

In case of a mealybug infestation, gently clean the affected areas with a cotton bud soaked in 70% alcohol. Also ensure the growing medium is well-draining to avoid excess moisture.

Maintenance and care

Watering frequency Low (once a fortnight)
Fogging 1 time a week
Type of soil Cactus potting soil
Pests and diseases Mealybugs, Rots
Susceptibility to diseases Low
Ease of cultivation Beginner

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