How much sunlight does my Red-Headed Irishman Cactus need?

Red-Headed Irishman Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

How much humidity does Red-Headed Irishman Cactus like?

Red-Headed Irishman Cactus prefers dry environments . Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

What type of soil should I use for my Red-Headed Irishman Cactus?

Red-Headed Irishman Cactus is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!

Should I fertilize my Red-Headed Irishman Cactus?

Red-Headed Irishman Cactus grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer . Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

Does Red-Headed Irishman Cactus go dormant?

It’s common for Red-Headed Irishman Cactus to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.

Which region is Red-Headed Irishman Cactus native to?

Red-Headed Irishman Cactus is native to the Southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean .

Does Red-Headed Irishman Cactus produce flowers?

Red-Headed Irishman Cactus produces flowers in the wild, but does not flower when kept as houseplants.

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Red-Headed Irishman Cactus

Q: How often should I water my Red-Headed Irishman Cactus?

Red-Headed Irishman Cactus thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly . Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

4.9 out of 5 (16 experiences)

Survivor

Fast grower

Also known as

Spiny pincushion cactus, Spiny pincushion cactus, red-headed irishman, Mammillaria, Cactus, Un Pico, Red Spiked Cactus, Red Headed Irishman, Mammillaria pilcayensis, Mammillaria spinosissima., Mammillaria spinosissima ., Mammillaria Sipnosissima, Mammillaria spinosissima... and Mammillaria Spinossima

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Mammillaria spinosissima

Genus

Mammillaria

Family

Cactaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

How to care for Red-Headed Irishman Cactus

Water

How often to water your Red-Headed Irishman Cactus

Red-Headed Irishman Cactus needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.