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Thimble Cactus Mammillaria vetula

Previously known as:

  • Mammillaria fragilis
  • Mammillaria gracilis
  • Mammillaria vetula subsp. gracilis
Phonetic Spelling
mam-mil-AR-ee-uh VET-uh-luh
Description

Native to Mexico, Thimble Cactus is less than 6 inches tall and in the family of Cactaceae.

This plant grows best in full sun or bright direct light, appreciating some afternoon shade in hot weather.  Grow in a well-drained cactus mix; adding grit for extra drainage helps, but they are tough plants that tolerate a variety of conditions.  Stop watering in the winter and move to a colder location in order to encourage flowering in the spring.

 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Mammillaria.

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Tags:
#small spaces#easy to grow#cactus#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#easy to grow houseplant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#small spaces#easy to grow#cactus#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#easy to grow houseplant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Mammillaria
    Species:
    vetula
    Family:
    Cactaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Mexico
    Distribution:
    Mexico
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Succulent
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Appendage:
    Spines
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
  • Flowers:
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Flower Petals:
    more than 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small, colorful, funnel-shaped flowers (to 1/2" in diameter) that emerge from the base of the areoles, often forming a ring around the top.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Feel:
    Prickly
    Leaf Shape:
    Acicular
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Spines (modified leaves) that emerge from the areoles.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Small groups
    Problems:
    Spines/Thorns