Mammillaria plumosa (Feather Cactus)

Mammillaria plumosa (Feather Cactus) is a clustering cactus forming a low, dense mound of globose stems, 2.5 in. wide (6 cm), entirely covered by an abundance of white feathery spines. The spines are adorned with very long hairs that are arranged like the segments of a bird’s feather, and protect the plant against the blistering sun of the desert. In late summer, creamy-white or dull pink sweetly-scented flowers, up to 0.6 in. across (1.5 cm), appear at the top of the stems. This unusual 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 3-4 in. tall (7-10 cm) and up to 3-16 in. wide (7-40 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 spider. Susceptible to rot if over-watered.
• Propagate by seed sown at 66-75°F (19-24°C) in early spring or by offsets.
• Native to Mexico, where it grows on limestone cliffs in sparse xerophytic shrubland.