Red Headed Irishman Cactus | Mammillaria spinosissima – CactusWarehouse
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Mammillaria spinosissima Redheaded Irishman

  • Hand-picked cactus icon Hand-picked, packed, and shipped on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
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$54.95
Size

Plant facts

SunlightFull sun
WaterLow water. Only when soil is fully dry
USDA zones9, 10, 11, hardy to about 20F
Care levelEasy Care
Mature sizeA small cylindrical pincushion cactus. Reaches about 12 in (30 cm) tall and roughly 4 in (10 cm) wide. It offsets and can form a small cluster; in a pot it can fill a 10 in container in a few years.
Time to matureReaches full height in about 5-10 years. Relatively fast-growing and free-offsetting for a Mammillaria under good conditions.
LivesIndoors
Ships asRooted plant, bare root, no pot or soil
What to expect in the box

Your plant is hand-picked, wrapped in protective kraft paper, and shipped on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. It arrives bare root: a fully rooted plant shipped without a pot or soil, ready to plant right away.

Minor scars or pitting on the skin are normal for hardgrown cacti. Any discoloration near the base is from previous healthy growth in soil and is not a sign of damage.

Cacti can look slightly dull after a few days in a dark box. Color returns within a week or two of bright light. If your area drops below 40F, we recommend adding a heat pack to your order, as one is not automatically included.

Nicknamed the “Red-Headed Irishman,” Mammillaria spinosissima is a standout cactus known for its dense network of spines and its vivid red or copper-colored crown. Cylindrical and upright in form, this cactus is covered in a halo of white and red spines. As it matures, it may produce rings of bright pink or magenta flowers near the top, creating a beautiful contrast against its spiny armor. 

Please Note: Our collection includes bare-root WITHOUT any soil or pot and cuttings. Some of our plants may have minor scars, yet each one is guaranteed to arrive in optimal health and excellent condition. Additionally, any discoloration at the base of the cactus, particularly in rooted variants, is a typical result of previous planting in soil. 

Cold Weather Warning

If your area drops below 40°F during the colder months, we highly recommend adding a heat pack to your order, as we don’t automatically include one. This helps keep your plants safe in transit. 🌡️❄️

👉 [Buy Heat Packs Here]

Product Details

Benefits

✔ Vivid red and white spines for bold color and texture
✔ Upright, columnar form adds height and drama
✔ Produces rings of magenta or pink blooms near the crown
✔ Perfect for collectors and desert-themed landscapes
✔ Hardy and low-maintenance with great visual impact

Cactus Care

✔ After Arrival: Allow your cactus to rest in a shaded, dry area for 3–5 days before planting. Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus mix with added perlite or pumice. Hold off on watering for the first week.
✔ Long-Term Care: Thrives in full sun or very bright indirect light. Water deeply only when the soil is fully dry—typically every 2–3 weeks during warm months and far less in winter. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
✔ Hardiness Zone: 9–11. Tolerates light frost but should be protected from prolonged temperatures below 20°F.

Shipping & Guarantee

At Cactus Warehouse, we take pride in shipping the healthiest, hand-selected cacti straight from our nursery in Fallbrook, CA. All our cacti are hardgrown and carefully checked to ensure you get the best.

  • Schedule: Orders ship on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
  • Delivery Time: Most orders arrive within 3–5 business days once shipped.
  • Rates: Free shipping on orders $99+ (Continental US). Orders under $99 ship for a flat $9.95.
  • Carriers: We ship via UPS and USPS with full tracking

  • Safe Packaging: Each cactus is wrapped in protective kraft paper to reduce movement. During cold weather, you have the option to add heat packs to keep your plants safe.
  • Care Instructions: Every package includes simple, step-by-step care instructions so you know exactly what to do after arrival.
  • 30-Day Happiness Guarantee: If your cactus doesn’t arrive healthy and happy, we’ll make it right. Email us at info@cactuswarehouse.com and we’ll take care of you.

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Plants Picked With Love

Hi, we're Lisa and Takashi! We started Cactus Warehouse because we care about creating a great experience for people like you.

We know how important it is to get a cactus that's healthy and ready to thrive. Thats's why we take the time to choose and pack each plant with care, making sure it arrives in perfect shape.

When you shop with us, you're supporting a small business that truly cares about its customers. Thank you for trusting us to bring something special into your home!