Troubleshooting
Lau's Pincushion problems — and how to fix them
Lau's Pincushion (Mammillaria laui) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root rot
The most serious threat; caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Use a very free-draining mix and ensure full drying between waterings.
Mealybugs
Check between tubercles for white woolly masses. Remove with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Sunscald
Moving the plant suddenly from indoors to full outdoor sun can cause yellowing or bleaching. Acclimatise gradually over 1-2 weeks.
No blooms
A cool, dry winter rest period is essential for flowering. Maintain temperatures of around 10°C and minimal watering from October to February.
Slow growth
This is naturally a slow-growing species. Ensure maximum sunlight, correct watering, and seasonal fertilising to encourage steady growth.
Prevent lau's pincushion problems before they start
Most lau's pincushion issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Lau's Pincushion problems — FAQ
Why is my lau's pincushion root rot?
The most serious threat; caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Use a very free-draining mix and ensure full drying between waterings.
Why is my lau's pincushion mealybugs?
Check between tubercles for white woolly masses. Remove with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Why is my lau's pincushion sunscald?
Moving the plant suddenly from indoors to full outdoor sun can cause yellowing or bleaching. Acclimatise gradually over 1-2 weeks.
Why is my lau's pincushion no blooms?
A cool, dry winter rest period is essential for flowering. Maintain temperatures of around 10°C and minimal watering from October to February.
Why is my lau's pincushion slow growth?
This is naturally a slow-growing species. Ensure maximum sunlight, correct watering, and seasonal fertilising to encourage steady growth.