Botanical Name: Mammillaria gracilis
Common Names: Thimble Cactus, Thimble Pincushion, Powder Puff Cactus
Mammillaria gracilis is a charming, small globular cactus native to northeastern Mexico. It forms dense clumps of cylindrical stems covered in soft, white radial spines, giving it a powdery appearance. In spring and summer, it produces tiny, star-shaped white flowers that sometimes form a ring around the top of each stem. Its compact size and clumping habit make it ideal for small containers, rock gardens, and succulent collections. Mature plants typically reach 2–4 inches tall and 3–6 inches wide when clumping.
Care and Cultivation:
Prefers bright light to full sun
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings
Use a fast-draining cactus soil mix
Excellent for containers, windowsills, and rock gardens
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Best suited for USDA Zones 9–11
Can tolerate brief cold down to about 25°F (-4°C) when kept dry
Protect from prolonged freezing and winter moisture
Ideal growing temperatures: 60–90°F (16–32°C)
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Growth slows in winter
Reduce watering significantly during dormancy
Maintain bright light to prevent stretching
Flowers emerge during warmer months with sufficient light
Notes:
Forms dense, attractive clumps over time
Produces small, delicate white flowers
Compact and beginner-friendly
Excellent for small containers and tabletop displays
Botanical Name: Mammillaria gracilis
Common Names: Thimble Cactus, Thimble Pincushion, Powder Puff Cactus
Mammillaria gracilis is a charming, small globular cactus native to northeastern Mexico. It forms dense clumps of cylindrical stems covered in soft, white radial spines, giving it a powdery appearance. In spring and summer, it produces tiny, star-shaped white flowers that sometimes form a ring around the top of each stem. Its compact size and clumping habit make it ideal for small containers, rock gardens, and succulent collections. Mature plants typically reach 2–4 inches tall and 3–6 inches wide when clumping.
Care and Cultivation:
Prefers bright light to full sun
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings
Use a fast-draining cactus soil mix
Excellent for containers, windowsills, and rock gardens
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Best suited for USDA Zones 9–11
Can tolerate brief cold down to about 25°F (-4°C) when kept dry
Protect from prolonged freezing and winter moisture
Ideal growing temperatures: 60–90°F (16–32°C)
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Growth slows in winter
Reduce watering significantly during dormancy
Maintain bright light to prevent stretching
Flowers emerge during warmer months with sufficient light
Notes:
Forms dense, attractive clumps over time
Produces small, delicate white flowers
Compact and beginner-friendly
Excellent for small containers and tabletop displays
