Cacti, Care tips, How to sow
Mammillaria gracilis fragilis- Unusual Cactus For Your Home or Garden
Sep
A big family of cacti is full of different shape, sizes, and colors. It all of that diversity, Mammillaria gracilis fragilis or Thimble cactus may be one of the most unusual looking.
Breathtaking Look Easy To Take Care Of
This beautiful, small cactus has an oval, green body covered in interwoven white spines. The tubercles are roundish, also covered in white spines and radiating like a star, making the plant look it’s covered in lace. Thimble cactus forms clusters, which makes propagation very easy. However, offsets are attached to the mother plant very loosely, so you should handle your plant very carefully to not lose them. This cactus blooms in colder months, with tiny cream-colored flowers. Thimble cactus is a perfect plant for beginners, since its growing well indoors and require little care.
Grow and Care Tips
Thimble cactus has typical cactus needs. You should water it from time to time during summer months and cut water completely during the winter. Make sure the soil is dried out fully before you water your plant again. The soil you put you Thimble cactus in should be well-draining. This cactus will grow best in mineral mixes.
Thimble cactus is a slow- grower. This means that once it’s established, it will be content in its position and with its soil for years. When it comes to temperatures, you don’t have much to worry about. Thimble cactus can tolerate full sun and long period of dryness without any problems. However, you should introduce this cactus to a moderate shade while its growing and let it get stronger before you put it in full sunlight. It can also take light frost, but its best to plant it in a container you can take inside if temperatures go too low during winter months.
Propagation
Thimble cactus is pretty easy to propagate from offsets. The offsets are stemming off in clumps around the main tubercles. As we said, the offsets are attached very loosely, so you can take them off easily with a pair of tongs and a sterile, sharp knife. Just like with any other cactus, allow the offsets to dry for a few days before planting than in a fresh, well-draining cactus mix.