Ladyfinger cactus
Mammillaria elongata · Family Cactaceae
Also known as: mammillaria, gold lace cactus, pincushion cactus
- Light
- Full sun
- Watering
- Every 14 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pet-safe
- No, keep it away from cats and dogs
Care
Where to put it
A sunny windowsill or a desk by a bright window.
Light
Full sun keeps it compact and helps it flower.
Watering
Water only when the compost is completely dry; keep dry in winter.
About the plant
The ladyfinger cactus forms clumps of elongated stems covered in golden spines. It is small, grows slowly and spreads in groups. In spring it may produce small, pale flowers.
Origin
Native to central Mexico, where it grows on dry, rocky slopes.
What it likes
- Full sun
- Sandy compost
- Very infrequent watering
What it dislikes
- Waterlogging
- Low light
- Watering in winter
Did you know?
The name Mammillaria comes from the small bumps, called tubercles, from which the spines grow.
