Feather Cactus

mammillaria plumosa

Also known as: ["Feather Ball Cactus","Feather Pincushion"]

Family: Cactaceae Genus: Mammillaria Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A small, globular cactus covered in dense, white, hair-like spines that resemble feathers.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Mammillaria
Botanical Name: Mammillaria plumosa

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, sunny location or outdoor garden in arid, well-drained area
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Collectors & Enthusiasts
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus mix with sand or perlite.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (4–6 hours/day). Adjust to avoid scorching in intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; provide shade during peak summer heat; place indoors near a south-facing window if outdoors is too harsh.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing, or soft stems indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly; avoid direct midday sun in summer; use sheer curtains if needed.

Watering

every 7–10 days in summer, every 3–4 weeks in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; adjust for seasonal dormancy.

Soil

well-draining, sandy cactus mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid peat-heavy mixes; use terra cotta pots for better drainage.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C). Tolerates mild frost but best kept above 40°F (4°C).

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; monitor seasonal changes.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply to moist soil; stop in dormant months.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or offsets (pups).

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Cut a healthy offset.
  2. Let callus for 1–2 days.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Water sparingly.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–80°F/21–27°C), high humidity (50–60%), indirect light.

Medium

Cactus mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.

Timeline

Roots may form in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Clean knife, rooting hormone, pot, cactus mix, perlite.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; avoid overwatering; provide gentle warmth.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip off dead or overgrown stems with clean cuts.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged stems to maintain shape.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead growth; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh cactus mix with good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot.

Checklist

Use fresh soil; ensure drainage; avoid compacting soil.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in winter.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture without wetting the spines. Allow excess water to drain thoroughly. Water in the morning to prevent fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely at the soil base.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks.

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial cactus mix.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing, or shriveled appearance in cold; sunburn or stunted growth in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause root rot if soil remains wet; can suffer cellular damage below 40°F (4°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry; provide frost protection if outdoors.

Hot Stress

Can lead to dehydration, sunburn, or etiolation if not acclimated to intense heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering cautiously; ensure good airflow.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use correct dilution; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a diluted cactus-specific fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Mammillaria plumosa are not commonly reported, as this species typically has spines rather than broad leaves.

Wilting in Mammillaria plumosa may occur due to overwatering or root rot, causing the plant to lose turgidity and potentially leading to tissue death.

Leaf spots are not commonly reported on Mammillaria plumosa, as this species lacks broad leaves; however, similar symptoms may appear on the areoles or stems due to fungal or bacterial infections.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can affect Mammillaria plumosa, often caused by excessive moisture, leading to soft, discolored tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Similar to dogs, ingestion of spines may cause mechanical irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort, but Mammillaria plumosa is not considered toxic to cats.

⚠️ Symptoms:
oral irritation gastrointestinal upset
🌿 Toxic Parts:
spines
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent ingestion of spines; seek veterinary attention if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Non-toxic

While ingestion of spines may cause mechanical irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort, Mammillaria plumosa is not considered toxic to dogs.

⚠️ Symptoms:
oral irritation gastrointestinal upset
🌿 Toxic Parts:
spines
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent ingestion of spines; seek veterinary attention if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Non-toxic

The spines of Mammillaria plumosa can cause mechanical irritation upon contact, but there are no known toxic compounds that pose a significant health risk to humans.

⚠️ Symptoms:
skin irritation minor puncture wounds
🌿 Toxic Parts:
spines
⚡ Toxic If:

if touched

Handle with care to avoid skin irritation from spines; no toxic ingestion effects reported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Mammillaria plumosa?

A: Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2-3 weeks during growing season.

Q: Does Mammillaria plumosa flower?

A: Yes, it produces small, pinkish-white flowers in spring or early summer.

Q: Can Mammillaria plumosa be grown indoors?

A: Yes, it thrives indoors in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.

Quick Reference
Family: Cactaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days in summer, e
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","collectors/enthusiasts"]
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