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Mammillaria hahniana – Old Lady Cactus (17 cm Pot)
Plant Highlights: Soft white hair-like spines • Rounded, sculptural form • Ring of pink flowers in season • Compact and easy to care for • Ideal for bright windowsills and sunny rooms
Mammillaria hahniana, commonly known as the Old Lady Cactus, is a distinctive cactus prized for its spherical shape and dense covering of fine white, hair-like spines. The soft-looking covering gives the plant a unique appearance while helping to protect it from intense sunlight in its natural habitat.
When mature and grown in bright conditions, it can produce a crown of small, vibrant pink flowers around the top of the plant, creating an attractive contrast against the white spines. Its compact size and slow-growing habit make it an excellent choice for windowsills, desks and sunny indoor displays.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Mammillaria hahniana |
| Common Name | Old Lady Cactus |
| Plant Type | Indoor cactus |
| Pot Size | 17 cm |
| Position | Full sun or very bright light |
| Soil | Free-draining cactus and succulent compost |
| Foliage | Rounded stem with dense white hair-like spines |
| Flowers | Pink, forming a ring around the crown when in bloom |
| Habit | Compact, slow-growing |
| Mature Height | 10–25 cm |
| Water Needs | Low; allow compost to dry completely before watering again. |
|---|
Place in the brightest position available, such as a south- or west-facing windowsill, where it can receive several hours of direct sunlight each day.
Allow the compost to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away. Reduce watering significantly during autumn and winter when growth naturally slows. Avoid leaving the plant sitting in water, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
Perfect for sunny windowsills, conservatories, home offices and bright living rooms. Its compact habit makes it easy to display on shelves or alongside other cacti and succulents.
The combination of its soft, woolly appearance and neat rounded form makes Mammillaria hahniana one of the most recognisable cacti. With minimal care and plenty of sunshine, it rewards growers with years of architectural interest and, in time, charming rings of pink flowers.
Good to Know: The 17 cm pot refers to the container size at the time of sale and not the mature size of the plant. Although the white covering looks soft, the plant also has sharp spines, so position it where it won't be brushed accidentally.
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