feather cactus
Mammillaria plumosa
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size12 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Feather cactus (Mammillaria plumosa) is a succulent for borders, containers, and xeriscape gardens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. It is evergreen and drought tolerant. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. Give it room, since it spreads 12 to 24 inches.
Pairs well with Mexican daisy, White sage, and Coppertone stonecrop.
Native range
North America.