If you’ve started a cactus collection or just added a few types to go along with your succulents, don’t forget to include the snowball cactus. Mammillaria snowball cacti are easy to grow with only the most basic care.
What is a Snowball Cactus?
The snowball cactus is botanically named Mammillaria candida. It is covered with dense spines and a white substance sometimes called wool. The wool makes it look like a snowball, but be careful of the dense spines.
This is an easy to grow plant and the more sun it gets, the more wool and spines it will produce. Careful with this, though, as too much direct sun can burn this cactus.
Like other cacti, the snowball likes summer heat and morning sun, but it is said to survive well in colder temperatures. And like other cacti, wet soil and cold is deadly to the plant. This plant can be hardy to a low of 23 degrees F (-5° C), but only with dry soil. It is native to Northeastern Mexico where it grows in crevices or flat areas on rocky limestone slopes.
Growing Snowball Cacti
Use thick gloves for protection when handling the plant. Snowball cactus care is simple and easy when it is planted in proper soil. The right soil is porous cactus soil with a bit of compost or other organic matter added.
Acclimate to bright light and eventually full morning sun. Strong sunlight encourages bronzing of the plant and the growth of more spines and heavy wool. Locate the plant in a low humidity area, if possible. You can grow this plant indoors also, in bright light and some direct sun.
Limit watering with all cacti, but especially this one. It is highly water sensitive. This plant has a shallow root system that only needs minor watering. This is also why fast-draining soil is important.
When provided with the right care, the snowball cactus will reward you with small but showy yellow or pinkish blooms rising from the spines in spring. Flowers have pink to red veins. Several subspecies exist with varying flower colors.
-
5 Best Winter Indoor Plants To Grow To Turn Your Home Into A Cozy Houseplant HideawayKeep your home (and heart) warm and bright during the chilly months with these gorgeous winter indoor plants – guaranteed to boost your seasonal happiness factor!
-
How To Make Plantable Seed Greeting Cards: Share The Joy Of Growing This Holiday SeasonGet creative making holiday cards using plantable seed paper, and give the memorable gift of growing flowers that will delight recipients for months on end.
-
What Is An Old Lady Cactus – How To Grow An Old Lady Cactus FlowerThe mammillaria old lady cactus can be grown outdoors in hot climates or indoors as a houseplant. Click here to get more information.
-
What Is A Thumb Cactus – Learn About Thumb Cactus CareIf you like cute cacti, the mammillaria thumb cactus is a specimen for you. What is a thumb cactus? Click to learn more.
-
Thimble Cactus Facts: Caring For A Thimble Cactus PlantThimble cactus develops a number of short, spiny stems, each one producing a cluster of thimble-sized offshoots with creamy yellow flowers in spring or late summer. If this brief description has piqued your interest, click this article to learn more.
-
What Is Brain Cactus: Cristata Information And CareOne of the many species of Mammillaria, Cristata is the form known as brain cactus. It is an easy-to-grow cactus and makes a great houseplant or outdoor specimen in warmer climates. Click here for some Cristata information along with care and growing tips.
-
Mammillaria Cactus Varieties: Common Types Of Mammillaria CactiMammillaria are popular plants and common in many nursery centers with ease of care and propagation counted as some of their more appealing features. Click this article for more Mammillaria information of some of the more interesting plants in the family.
