Powder Puff
Mammillaria bocasana
Mammillaria bocasana is a clumping, globe-shaped cactus completely covered in silky white hair-like spines that make it look like someone glued a cotton ball to a pot -- harmless and inviting until you discover the hooked central spines lurking beneath the fluff. It clusters into cheerful mounds over time and produces a ring of small cream or pink flowers around the crown each spring. If you want a cactus that looks nothing like the generic green spiky thing and thrives on mild neglect, this is a strong contender.
How to grow Powder Puff
full sun (6 or more
Water deeply and then wait
Prefers low humidity.
Happiest between 70-80 degrees F
70-80%
Offsets (pups) that cluster around
Overwatering and root rot are
Fun Facts
Mammillaria bocasana holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit, which is about as official a stamp of approval as a cactus can get from the British gardening establishment.
Pet safe
Non-toxic to humans and pets. The soft appearance is deceptive though -- the hooked central spines can catch skin and are difficult to remove. Handle with care.
Sources
- Mammillaria bocasana | Powder Puff Cactus | RHS (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
- How to Grow and Care for a Powder Puff Cactus | World of Succulents (opens in new tab)Reference
- How to Grow and Care for a Powder Puff Cactus | World of Succulents (opens in new tab)Reference
- Mammillaria bocasana - Powder Puff Cactus | Mountain Crest Gardens (opens in new tab)Reference
- Mammillaria bocasana - Powder Puff Cactus | Mountain Crest Gardens (opens in new tab)Reference
- Mammillaria bocasana - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
- Mammillaria bocasana - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
- Mammillaria bocasana | Powder Puff Cactus | RHS (opens in new tab)Reference