Rainbow pincushion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rainbow pincushion |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Mammillaria
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| Species: |
rhodantha
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The Mammillaria rhodantha, also known as the rainbow pincushion cactus, is a cool plant from the cactus family. It's one of many types of cacti in the Mammillaria group. These cacti are special because they have nipple-shaped bumps, called tubercles, all over their surface.
What It Looks Like
The rainbow pincushion cactus is a small plant. It usually grows to be about 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) tall. You might see it growing alone or in small groups. Its main stem is smooth and covered with sharp spikes.
The entire plant has these cone-shaped bumps, or tubercles. The spikes grow out from these tubercles. Each bump usually has about 15 to 18 spikes, which are about 3 to 7 millimeters long. The spikes on the lower part of the cactus often look white or gray, almost like they are old.
This cactus produces beautiful flowers that are a deep pink to purple color. It blooms for a very long time, starting in the spring and continuing all the way through autumn. After blooming, it makes orange-brown seeds. You might also notice some white, woolly stuff growing on the top part of the plant.
Surprisingly, the rainbow pincushion cactus can handle cold weather. It can survive temperatures as low as -4 degrees Celsius (25 degrees Fahrenheit). But if it gets any colder than that, the plant might not make it.
Growing This Cactus
The rainbow pincushion cactus is a popular choice for a houseplant. It's pretty easy to take care of throughout the year. Since it's a small plant, it usually only needs a little pot.
Because it's a desert plant, it doesn't need a lot of water. You don't have to water it often at all! The most important thing for this cactus is to give it plenty of light. Lots of sunlight helps it grow strong spikes. Plus, since it flowers for much of the year, it adds a lot of color and beauty to any room.
One type of this cactus, called Mammillaria pringlei (also known as the lemon ball), has even won a special award. It received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit because it's such a great plant for gardens.
See also
In Spanish: Mammillaria rhodantha para niños
