little nipple cactus
Mammillaria senilis
RHS AGM 2012
USDA zones10 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds dry soil
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Little nipple cactus (Mammillaria senilis) is a succulent for containers, xeriscapes, and low maintenance gardens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 10 and warmer, down to about 30°F (-1°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. It is drought tolerant and stays evergreen.
Pairs well with White velvet, Cleveland sage, and Purple needle grass.
Native range
North America.