Mammillaria backebergiana | Backeberg's pincushion cactus
€10,60
Mammillaria backebergiana F.G.Buchenau
🌱 Morphology
A relatively fast-growing cactus, initially solitary, that can branch and form clusters with age. The stem is cylindrical, green, 7–45 cm tall and 4.5–7 cm in diameter, although in cultivation it can reach about 30 cm before leaning under its own weight. It features conical-pyramidal tubercles with a rhomboidal base, yellowish-green in color, with generally bare axils. The areoles are oval and have 8–12 radial spines that are needle-like, straight, and yellowish to grayish-brown, in addition to 1–3 central spines that are yellowish-brown, darker towards the base. The flowers, 1.8–2 cm long and 1.5–1.8 cm in diameter, are an intense carmine pink to magenta and appear in a striking crown around the apex.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Endemic to Mexico, primarily in the states of Mexico and Guerrero, although Mexican botanical references also include populations in Michoacan. It grows at an altitude of approximately 1,400 to 1,600 m, in the upper parts of ravines and on sandy soils, within dry scrublands and xerophytic environments. Currently, two subspecies are recognized: M. backebergiana subsp. backebergiana and M. backebergiana subsp. ernestii.
Family Cactaceae, subfamily Cactoideae, tribe Cacteae.
❄️ Temperature · USDA Zone 9b
Tolerates minimum temperatures down to −1 ºC if kept dry. For pot cultivation, it is recommended to prevent the substrate from remaining wet during cold spells.
☀️ Lighting
Appreciates full sun or bright partial shade, especially during the central hours of the most intense summers. High light exposure promotes compact stems and abundant flowering. A reference of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR is recommended, acclimating it progressively to direct sun.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter rest. During the winter, it should be kept completely dry. In spring and summer, it is recommended to water deeply, allowing the substrate to dry out completely before the next watering. In late summer and throughout autumn, reduce watering progressively until it enters dormancy. It is a relatively fast-growing species that flowers easily when provided with a cool and dry winter rest.
🌸 Flowering
Can begin to flower approximately 3–4 years from seed. In its habitat, it flowers mainly from February to April, while in cultivation it can flower approximately from May to June. The flowers, 1.8–2 cm long, are carmine pink to magenta in color and are arranged in a crown around the apex. It may produce several flowering pulses during the same season, behaving as a reblooming species under favorable conditions.
🌿 Nutrition
During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) is recommended once a month during watering. Assimilable calcium promotes the formation of firm tissues and the maintenance of turgidity, while magnesium participates in chlorophyll synthesis. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering.
🪴 Pot
9x9 cm gourmet black pot
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot, with substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The plant's measurements are specified in the photo description, but these may also vary slightly because, after all, it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.
- Shipped today? Order within:
- Hassle-free returns
- Free Shipping on orders over €79.99
Expert advice with every purchase
Our team provides you with personalized advice on caring for your plants and growing media.
-
Secure and protected payment guaranteed.
