Mammillaria bocasana (Powder Puff Cactus)

Mammillaria bocasana (Powder Puff Cactus) is a small clumping cactus that tends to form large clumps over time. The spherical stems, up to 5 in. tall (12 cm) and 3 in. wide (8 cm), are covered with silky white hairs, with each cluster surrounding a yellow-to-red hooked spine. The hooked spines were used as fish hooks in its native Mexico. In spring and summer, it bears funnel-shaped, creamy-white, creamy-yellow, or pinkish flowers, up to 1 in. long (2.5 cm) and 0.6 in. wide (1.5 cm). The blossoms are followed by cylindrical, rosy-pink to red fruits, 1 in. long (2.5 cm). Easy to grow and free-flowering, this miniature cactus is perfect for containers. It can be grown as a houseplant but also grows well outdoors in frost-free climates. Protect from cold, as this species is frost sensitive and only hardy to 23°F (-5°C) for brief periods.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 5 in. tall (12 cm) and 3 in. wide (8 cm).
• Easily grown in a standard cactus compost in full sun or bright filtered light. Water moderately when in growth. Make sure you let the soil dry out between waterings. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep the plant dry in winter.
• Feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed when in growth. Drought tolerant.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for mealybugs or red spiders. Susceptible to rot if over-watered.
• Propagate by seed sown at 66-75°F (19-24°C) in early spring or by offsets.
• Repotting every 2-3 years.
• Native to northern central Mexico.