Mammillaria spinosissima cv. Un Pico: The Long-Spined Cactus

An Introduction to Mammillaria spinosissima cv. Un Pico

Mammillaria spinosissima cv. Un Pico, also referred to by its common name "Un Pico," is a unique cultivar of the Mammillaria spinosissima cactus species. As its name suggests, it is known for its exceptionally long central spine, resembling a single long "beak" protruding from the center of the cactus body.

Appearance and Growth

Like other Mammillaria species, Un Pico has a spherical, flattened, or cylindrical body with distinct tubercles lining its surface. These tubercles give rise to tiny hair-like spines called glochids, providing an almost velvety texture to the cactus exterior. However, Un Pico's most distinctive feature is its massive central spine which resembles a porcupine quill, growing up to 6 inches long on mature plants.

Mature Un Pico specimens typically reach about 4-8 inches in diameter. Their coloration can range from deep green to bluish-green or brownish-green, often taking on a richer, darker appearance when exposed to plenty of sunlight. The contrast between the dense coating of short radial spines and the single lengthy central spine is visually striking.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Un Pico thrives in warm, dry environments with plenty of direct light. Like most cacti, these plants prefer porous, fast-draining soil and require less frequent watering than standard houseplants. Too much moisture can lead to rotting at the base. While they can tolerate brief temperature drops, extended exposure to cold climates below 40°F can damage or kill Un Pico plants.

When grown indoors, Un Pico does best in south or west facing windowsills where they can soak up at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Outdoor planting is also an option in frost-free regions with suitable dry, desert-like conditions. Careful acclimatization is necessary when transitioning the plants between indoor and outdoor environments.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for Un Pico requires observing some basic practices:

• Water deeply only when the top 1-2 inches become completely dry, then allow the soil to fully dry out again before the next watering.
• Use well-draining cactus/succulent soil and clay pots with drainage holes at the bottom.
• Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer with a balanced diluted cactus fertilizer.
• Repot every 2-3 years in the spring into slightly larger pots.
• Prune damaged, dead, or excessively long spines as needed.
• Provide suitable bright, warm conditions and guard against overwatering.

The Appeal of the Un Pico Cultivar

The Un Pico cultivar offers some advantages that contribute to its popularity among cactus enthusiasts:

Unique Appearance

With spine lengths exceeding 6 inches recorded on mature plants, Un Pico has an exceptionally long central spine compared to other Mammillaria varieties. This gives it a very unique and eye-catching look. Its texture combines the soft appearance of dense short radial spines and fine hair-like glochids with the stark contrast of the smooth, sharp central spine jutting out from the center.

Compact Size

Given its relatively short stature growing to around 4-8 inches in diameter, Un Pico works very well as an accent piece indoors. Its petite size belies the dramatic long central spine that emerges from these diminutive spherical or columnar green cacti. They can be integrated seamlessly into dish gardens, mixed cactus pots, windowsills and tabletop displays.

Low Maintenance

Like most cacti, Un Pico has relatively modest care requirements once planted in suitable conditions. Their resilience suits them well to novice indoor growers. A porous cactus potting mix, adequate sunlight, limited watering, and occasional fertilization is all these plants need to remain healthy.

Un Pico's readiness to propagate from seeds or offsets also makes establishing additional plants quite straightforward compared to other cactus varieties.

Growing and Displaying Un Pico

Setting up the ideal conditions for Un Pico allows you to highlight its best qualities:

Outdoors

In suitable warm climates, planting Un Pico outdoors can let you display its features to full effect. Position pots or place directly in garden beds with exceptionally good drainage and porous soils. Match other arid-adapted plants like agaves, aloes and echeverias to complete a dynamic xeric garden vignette.

Indoors

Group Un Pico with other small cacti and succulents in dish or terrarium displays located near ample natural light from south or west facing windows. Its unique quill-like spine will capture attention even surrounded by other plants. Use grow-lights to supplement natural sunlight if needed to prevent excess elongation of the central spine.

Patio Planters

Situate Un Pico plants together in interesting pots outdoors in a warm protected patio, courtyard or balcony. Combine with tiny sedums, Sempervivum succulents and creeping herbaceous plants. Position them in decorative containers on tabletops or elevated surfaces where theirShapes and textures can be better viewed up close.

FAQs

How often should I water Un Pico?

Un Pico should be watered deeply only when the top 1-2 inches of soil have dried out completely. Allow the soil to fully dry again before the next watering. Take care not to overwater as too much moisture will lead to rotting.

What potting mix should I use?

A porous, fast-draining cactus or succulent soil mix is ideal. You can also mix in additional perlite, pumice, or grit to improve drainage. Avoid standard potting soils that will retain too much moisture.

How much sunlight does Un Pico need?

Un Pico requires plenty of direct sunlight - ideally 4-6 hours per day or more. When growing indoors, provide the brightest light from a south or west facing window. Supplemental grow lights can be used if natural light is insufficient.

Is Un Pico cold hardy?

No, Un Pico cacti are not well suited to cold climates. Temperatures below 40°F can damage or kill the plants. If grown outdoors, Un Pico should only be situated in frost-free regions with suitable warm, dry conditions year-round.