Thimble Cactus

Thimble Cactus Care

Mammillaria Gracilis Fragilis

What is the plant

This beautiful, small cactus has a cylindrical green body covered in interwoven white spines. “Thimble Cactus” grows in clusters, and propagates very easily. You can expect to see tiny cream-colored flowers in cooler months.Native to Central Mexico, thimble cactus (Mammillaria gracilis) is suitable for growing outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Although it tolerates drought and extreme heat, it won’t survive long if temperatures drop below 25 F. (-4 C.). This slow-growing Mammillaria cactus is a great choice for xeriscaping or rock gardens, but it also performs well in a container, making an excellent houseplant. It is generally very easy to grow.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

15°C - 18°C

Hardiness zone

8 - 10

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Warm Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
In the growing season, the plants should be watered at least once a week. When watering, the soil should be given a good soaking, allowing excess water to drain away. Allow the compost to dry out slightly between each watering.
Pruning
Houseplants should typically be pruned at the beginning of the growing season, which is late winter or early spring for many varieties.
Fertilizer
Cacti fertilizer requirements are pretty simple. Any good houseplant food (diluted to half) that's higher in phosphorus than nitrogen is a good choice. A 5-10-5 solution can work well.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Cacti and succulents thrive with good light sources, and it is best to place cacti and succulents in a bright place. A south facing position will provide good sunlight. However, be careful to not put them in direct sunlight because the intense light can make the plants turn a yellow colour.
Soil
Require a porous, sandy or pebbly potting soil that provides plenty of aeration and excellent drainage. A good cactus potting mixture will also consist of some organic material that makes moisture available to the plant roots when watered but then dries out quickly.
Temperature
This small cactus grows well in temperatures between 70° and 80° degrees Fahrenheit (21° – 27° C) and become dormant in winter. During the winter, keep colorful potted cactus plants on a windowsill as houseplants. When the temperatures drop to somewhere between 60° and 65° degrees Fahrenheit (15° – 18° C), the plant will bear flowers.

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Container
Use a ceramic porous pot with a good drainage.
Popularity
508 people already have this plant 158 people have added this plant to their wishlists