Mammillaria plumosa

Mammillaria is a genus of spiny cacti native to the desert regions of Central America, particularly Mexico. Plants usually form clusters of spherical or columnar stems, and bear funnel-shaped flowers.

Mammillaria plumosa is an unusual cacti, as its dense, feathery spines are soft to touch. Each globe-shaped stem grows to the size of a golf ball. Eventually, offsets develop, forming a large clump, or mound, of stems. It’s a good choice for a beginner cactus grower and makes a fine addition to any cactus collection.

For best results grow Mammillaria plumosa in cactus compost in containers in full sun. Water from mid-spring to summer only, and feed once a month with a special cactus fertiliser. Like all cacti growing in a temperate climate, it’s best grown as a houseplant but containers may be moved to a sunny, sheltered patio in midsummer.