Mammillaria rekoi var aureispina

Mammillaria rekoi var. aureispina is a striking and collectible cactus known for its bright golden-yellow spines (hence aureispina, meaning “golden spine”). Like others in the Mammillaria genus, it forms small globular to short cylindrical stems and produces a beautiful ring of flowers—typically magenta to pink—in spring or early summer.

Here’s how to care for it:

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🌵 Mammillaria rekoi var. aureispina Care Guide

☀️ Light

• Requires bright light, ideally 4–6 hours of direct sun per day.

• Indoors: Place in a south or west-facing window.

• Outdoors: Give morning sun and light shade in the afternoon.

💧 Watering

• Water deeply, then let soil dry completely before watering again.

• Spring–fall: Every 10–14 days depending on climate.

• Winter: Minimal to no water—keep dry to prevent rot.

🌱 Soil

• Use a gritty, well-draining cactus mix.

• Mix in pumice, perlite, or coarse sand.

• Avoid moisture-retaining soils.

🌡️ Temperature

• Thrives in warm conditions: 70–85°F (21–29°C).

• Tolerates down to 40°F (4°C) if kept dry.

• Not frost-tolerant—shelter in cold weather.

🍽️ Fertilizer

• Feed once a month during active growth with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer.

• No feeding in winter.

🪴 Growth & Repotting

• Grows slowly, often forming small clusters.

• Repot every 2–3 years in spring, or when pot-bound.

• Use gloves to avoid the sharp golden spines.

🌸 Flowering

• Produces pink to magenta flowers in a circular crown near the top.

• Needs strong light and a slight winter rest to encourage blooms.