Mammillaria hahniana
Also known as: Old lady cactus
The old lady cactus: a white-haired ball wearing rings of tiny pink flowers around its crown each spring. It belongs to the Mammillaria genus, comes from Mexico (Guanajuato), stays around Ball 10–20 cm, and tolerates USDA 9b–11; keep above 0 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Mammillaria
- Origin: Mexico (Guanajuato)
- Mature size: Ball 10–20 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 9b–11; keep above 0 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic (glochid-like spines sharp)
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Mammillaria
- Origin
- Mexico (Guanajuato)
- Mature size
- Ball 10–20 cm
- Growth habit
- Solitary then clustering white-haired ball with rings of pink flowers
- Leaf colour
- White-hair covered ball with spines beneath
- Flower colour
- Pink-red rings of flowers around the crown
- Hardiness
- USDA 9b–11; keep above 0 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic (glochid-like spines sharp)
- Other names
- Old lady cactus
About the Mammillaria hahniana
The old lady cactus: a white-haired ball wearing rings of tiny pink flowers around its crown each spring. Easy indoor cactus; water sparingly and keep perfectly dry in winter.
Care and cultivation
Grow in a fast-draining gritty mix with bright light and morning sun. Water deeply only when bone dry. Remove spent stalks and dried lower leaves; handle leaves by the stem to protect the farina. Light: Bright light with morning sun; colour deepens with light. Water: Soak-and-dry; every 10–14 days in growth. Soil: Fast-draining cactus mix, 50% grit.
Description
Mammillaria hahniana is a Mammillaria succulent from Mexico (Guanajuato). The old lady cactus: a white-haired ball wearing rings of tiny pink flowers around its crown each spring. Easy indoor cactus; water sparingly and keep perfectly dry in winter.
Identification
Key identification features: White-hair covered ball with spines beneath leaves in a Solitary then clustering white-haired ball with rings of pink flowers form, reaching Ball 10–20 cm. Also known as Old lady cactus. Nickname: 'Old lady cactus'. Nickname: 'Old lady cactus'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Mammillaria hahniana?
Soak-and-dry; every 10–14 days in growth. Let the soil dry completely between waterings and reduce water in winter.
Is Mammillaria hahniana toxic to pets?
Non-toxic (glochid-like spines sharp). Keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Mammillaria hahniana, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.