Photo of Mammillaria vetula ssp. gracilis flower, foliage by Michael Wolf

Photo by Michael Wolf

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Mammillaria vetula ssp. gracilis

Also Known As

  • Mammillaria gracilis
  • Mammillaria gracilis fragilis
  • Thimble Cactus

Plant type

gift, cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 4"-8"
  • W: 3"-9"

planting zones

  • 9a-12

More Options

Mammillaria vetula ssp. gracilis plant details

Mammillaria vetula ssp. gracilis is an evergreen cactus / succulent or gift with green and white foliage. In summer and winter cream, pink and yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun - bright shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mammillaria vetula ssp. gracilis

Plant type: cactus / succulent or gift
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green and white
Mature size: 3 IN - 9 IN - wide, 4 IN - 8 IN - tall
Flowers: cream, pink and yellow blooms in summer and winter
Uses: clumping, container plant, heirloom, houseplant, mounding, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mammillaria vetula ssp. gracilis

USDA Zones: 9a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

One of Sean’s childhood plants, this is a clustering, small cactus from central Mexico that eventually produces 8” mounds covered with crystalline white spines and, in summer, pinkish flowers. Any brightly lit situation is fine, especially those that dry out a bit in winter. A good small rock garden plant where temperatures remain above 20° F, USDA zone 9.
Mammillaria gracilis fragilis is an adorable, compact-growing cactus, nicknamed Thimble Cactus, featuring bright green cylindrical offsets each with a network of white spines. The offsets have a tendency to roll off, so handle with care. Luckily, they will root wherever they have fallen to create a new cluster. Displays bell-shaped, cream colored flowers. Provide a well-drained soil away from reflected heat. Requires little water once established. Ideal in warm climate landscapes, rock gardens and container gardens, but is especially happy sitting on your bright windowsill as a houseplant. Protect your PRINCE OF PARADISE™ from frost!
Adorable, rapidly clumping little mammillaria native to Mexico. Tame, white spines on thimble sized columns. Tiny yellow flowers with pink sepals in the spring and summer. Quickly fills a pot! Great compliment in succulent dish gardens or alone filling a pot. Branches break off easily but can be re rooted quickly and easily.
Bright Light. Indoor/Outdoor. Creamy Yellow Flowers.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Gardening facts about Mammillaria vetula ssp. gracilis plant

How to Grow Mammillaria vetula ssp. gracilis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • white
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • cream
    • pink
    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • winter
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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