Mammillaria plumosa - Feather Cactus

$10.99

SKU:C2JY3975

$10.99
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Product Details

Highlights

Feather Cactus (Mammillaria plumosa) (F.A.C. Weber): A cuddly cactus that has traded its spines for piles of fluff! Its "spines" are so feathery that it looks more like a baby bird than a cactus. This species from Northeastern Mexico can grow to about 5.0" tall and 16.0" wide as mounded clusters of small, round offsets. Tiny, pink and white striped flowers tend to appear in late summer and have a sweet fragrance. After trials by the Royal Horticultural Society, M. plumosa earned the Award of Garden Merit for its appearance and vigor.

Please note: The fluffy covering makes this species particularly susceptible to rot; water very sparingly and avoid getting the feathery spines wet.

This variety of cactus will not survive a frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures it can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. Cactus need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 70% to 80% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply and wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again.

Full Cactus Guide

Product Size

2.0" Pot

Current Primary Color

White

Bloom Color

White Bloom

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Bright Indoor Light, Full Sun

Maximum Height

3"-5"

Growth Habit / Shape

Clumping / Mounding

Special Characteristic

Showy Blooms, Slow Grower

USDA Zone map for average annual extreme minimum temperatures

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+

10

WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?

0

Videos

Cactus 101 - Care Tips & Unique Traits

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Questions & Answers

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Popular Questions

4 years ago
4 years ago  •  Staff Answer
Hello!

Opuntia cactus are great for zone 7 and even for a few zones below 7. They get large, flower beautifully and can survive sub zero temperatures! I hope this helps.
4 years ago
4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Opuntia (Prickly Pear) Cactus are a wonderful frost hardy option for low-water landscapes. They arrive as unrooted pads or paddles, ready to plant and grow roots. Remember to always use tongs to handle Opuntia as its barbed glochids can pierce skin and leather gloves. Each order of Opuntia comes with a detailed care guide detailing the following planting steps.


How to Plant Opuntia Cactus
  1. Pick a location with 6+ hours of full sun each day and gritty, well-draining soil
  2. Dig a hole about 2"-3" wide and deep to fit bottom third of the pad…
See full answer »
3 years ago
3 years ago  •  Staff Answer
Hi there!

I have a few recommendations for you. These Opuntia that I'm linking you to are actually below zone 7. They're zone 6 and there's one that's even zone 5! However, they should survive very well in zone 7 too.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/wate...
4 years ago
4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Browse all available Opuntia here.


Opuntia (oh-PUN-tee-uh) (Prickly Pear Cactus) are known for bright red fruits and abundant, showy blooms. They are easy to grow and maintain, even in regions too cold and wet for other cacti. Their quirky, sculptural appearance make for eye-catching silhouettes in the garden.


APPEARANCE See full answer »
3 years ago
Spring or Fall? When is the best time to plant? See more »
3 years ago  •  Staff Answer
These pads are best planted in the spring and summer months. Warm weather helps them root.

Sand would be a great addition to Opuntia soil and you could even add smaller gravel as well.
3 years ago
3 years ago  •  Staff Answer
Hi there!

We have sold orange flowered prickly pear cactus in the past, but we're currently out of stock. I'll attach a link to this post that should take you to our prickly pear store page. It's pretty lacking right now, but check back in every once and a while and we might have them in stock again.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/pric...
4 years ago
4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Shop Succulent Soil Here

Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.

IN POTS…

See full answer »
4 years ago
4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Our plants can be transplanted immediately upon arrival.
If you want to wait to transplant, they can remain in their original containers for up to a month. If the pots came in a plastic carrier tray, remove the pots from the carrier tray prior to the first watering.

Keep the plants indoors near a sunny window or outdoors under a roof (only if outdoor temperatures stay above your succulent's minimum hardiness temperature). Water only after the soil is fully dry by drenching from above with a faucet, hose, or watering can. Gently shake excess water from the leaves and allow containers to drain completely.

4 years ago
4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Fertilizing is not necessary, but it is a good option for succulent growers who want to encourage faster, larger growth. It can be used on mature plants with established roots. Only fertilize in the growing season (spring and summer for most varieties) to avoid weakening or burning dormant plants. Use a light touch and make 2-3 applications of low-Nitrogen, diluted fertilizer each year (N-P-K ratio around 5-10-10). You can find specially-formulated cactus / succulent fertilizers in most garden centers or go organic with compost tea or bone meal.

Example: Miracle-Gro Quick Start, diluted to half strength

4 years ago
4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Succulents need deep, infrequent watering, especially during their growing season and when they are young and establishing roots. Only water after the soil is completely dry and the plant feels less firm. Err on the side of underwatering. Watering too frequently is the most common way to kill succulents.

HOW TO WATER SUCCULENTS

  • Drench from above using a faucet, hose, or watering can
  • Do not mist with a spray bottle (the only exception is for Air Plants)
  • Water until it drains from the container's drainage hole. If your container does not have a drainage hole (not recommended), use about 1/3 the volume of the container…
See full answer »

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