Mammillaria Species, Thimble Cactus

Mammillariavetula subsp. gracilis

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Mammillaria (mam-mil-AR-ee-uh)
Synonym
Mammillaria gracilis
Mammillaria gracilis subsp. fragilis
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
Spacing
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Pale Yellow
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Birmingham, Alabama

Chandler, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Long Beach, California

Lynn, Massachusetts

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Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
3
neutrals
0
negative
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D
Orting, WA (Zone 8a) | August 2009 | positive

I have found this to be an easy cactus to grow. It will sometimes fall apart, but the pieces can just be rooted into new plants. I have...Read More

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | February 2005 | neutral

Very fragile cactus (to handle)... falls apart in your hands (the suckers fall off)... and roots are almost invisible they are so small. ...Read More

X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | February 2005 | neutral

This plant clusters freely and forms flat mounds. flowers Flowers are lemon yellow.
The variety 'fragilis' has lighter yellow/whit...Read More

X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | February 2005 | neutral

This plant clusters freely and forms flat mounds. flowers Flowers are lemon yellow.
The variety 'fragilis' has lighter yellow/whit...Read More

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