Arizona Fishhook Cactus, Fishhook Pincushion, Graham's Fishhook, Lizard Catcher, Sunset Cactus

Mammillariagrahamii

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Mammillaria (mam-mil-AR-ee-uh)
Species
grahamii (GRAM-ee-eye)
Synonym
Chilita grahamii
Mammillaria microcarpa subsp. grahamii
Mammillaria microcarpa
Chilita microcarpa
Ebnerella microcarpa
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
Spacing
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Pink
Magenta (pink-purple)
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Ajo, Arizona

Anthem, Arizona

Catalina, Arizona

Chandler, Arizona

Kearny, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Salome, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona(2 reports)

Canoga Park, California

Castro Valley, California

Hesperia, California

Salinas, California

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
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W
Battle Ground, WA (Zone 8b) | June 2013 | positive

I remember this cactus growing wild in the desert around Scottsdale, AZ when I was growing up there. I've had one, bought locally in Sal...Read More

P
Tucson, AZ | October 2009 | positive

Easy to grow here in Tucson - it's native. Have found broken "Globules", let them scab over and planted them - grow fine, with pretty pi...Read More

I
Keizer, OR (Zone 8b) | February 2005 | positive

Reliable bloomer for winter doldruns in northern latitudes. It's an easy care cactus that has an attractive form even when not blooming.

X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | October 2004 | neutral

I've seen this cactus growing in the wild in the Phoenix surrounding desert; Oro Valley, AZ; Oracle Junction, AZ; Kearny, AZ & on the 'El...Read More

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