The thimble cactus, or Mammillaria gracilis fragilis, is an eye-catching cactus. It is valued for its appearance. The cactus is 3-5 inches in height and cylindrical, often growing in clusters of tightly woven plant offsets. The Thimble Cactus is bluish-green and is covered in thorny white spines, adding to its unique look. The spines are fine and form a sort of lacy covering. The final look is quite pleasing, and due to its distinct look, it is also sometimes known as Powder Puff or Powder Puff Pincushion.
The Thimble Cactus of the Mammillaria genera belongs to a large cactus family. There are more than 200 varieties and species in this group. Most of these varieties can be found in many parts of the world. It originated in Mexico, Colombia, Honduras, Venezuela, and Guatemala in South America.
These cute little cactus plants are grown indoors rather than in the garden since they are petite. However, it can be grown as an outdoor plant in a pot where it can grow to be a large cluster of offsets seemingly crowding the entire area of the pot surface. They are a great addition to collections of cacti for contrast.
Cultivation and History.
Thimble Cactus is a hardy plant, and cultivation is easy. The plant grows naturally in pine forests in Guanajuato, Queretaro, and Hidalgo in Mexico. This plant is a slow grower compared with other cacti and can withstand scorching sunlight and light frost without a problem. Although the plant is a slow grower, it spreads quite vigorously, creating a mat of little offsets that look like ‘white thimbles.’
The Thimble Cactus has a cream or yellow flowers that appear in late winter atop their small round bodies. However, flowers keep appearing intermittently and are always a joy to see.
Propagation of the Thimble Cactus plant.
This cactus is easy to propagate. The plant will have many offsets or pups that separate easily. These can be potted in gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus potting soil and, within a week or so, will establish and put down roots. The offsets around the primary tubercle can be pried off with a pair of tongs. These offsets must be kept in a cool, dry place for several days and form scabs before replanting. If you use a knife to separate the offsets, make sure it is clean and sterile and cuts sharply.
The offsets also fall off the main cluster and begin new plants easily over time, spreading around available space. The cactus requires good airflow and sunlight for optimal growth. New plants require a warm environment; if the plant is transferred to a regular pot, it should be after new roots emerge.
How to Grow and care for the Thimble Cactus plant.
The growing part of this versatile cactus is easy. The hardiness of the plant and its ability to adapt to climatic conditions that range from very hot to light frost is an advantage. Not much effort is needed to grow these cute plants, so they are ideal for beginners. Caring for your Thimble cactus means ensuring the right conditions are always there for the plant. A well-draining soil mix is the first step to a great plant. The amount of sunlight, the temperature of the plant’s surroundings, and the water it receives determines its survival.
Grooming and Maintenance.
Thimble Cactus grows profusely even though the growth of an individual plant takes time. The spreading of the plant is quite quick. Sometimes, the plant grows so many offsets that it requires repotting. To maintain the healthy growth of the plant, the airflow around the plant should be constant. Clearing out tubercle dead parts will help keep the plant from disease and rot. You have to be aware that even though the Thimble Cactus is a hardy plant, once disease or rot sets in, it is difficult to salvage.
Repotting an old plant or planting new offsets should be done when the Thimble Cactus becomes overrun by offsets. The best type of pot to use for a Thimble Cactus is an unglazed terracotta pot. This is good for soil drainage and allows the soil to breathe.
Cultivars to Select.
There are hundreds of varieties of cacti in the Mammillaria family. Most of these are available from nurseries in the United States.
Light Requirement.
The natural habitat of the Thimble Cactus is the desert. It thrives in bright sunlight and can handle as much sunlight as possible. However, a minimum of 4-6 hours of daylight is essential for its growth. Direct sunlight should be provided to the plant when grown indoors. Insufficient sunlight affects the growth and shape of this cute cactus. Lack of light makes the plant leggy and unhealthy looking. The cactus can be moved outdoors in the warm summer for natural light and good airflow. It is equally essential that the plant is sheltered from the rain. This ornamental plant will care for itself if direct sunlight is available.
Soil Requirements.
The soil used for cacti generally will suit the Thimble Cactus. Always use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Some commercially available potting mixes for cacti can still be too rich in potting soil and may need more draining agents. You can also mix potting soil and perlite in equal parts. Another way to ensure a healthy Thimble Cactus is to plant it in pure grit to overcome drainage problems. This is a solution applied by gardeners in wetter climates. A soil-less medium works well for the Thimble Cactus.
Watering
Thimble Cacti have the typical watering needs of cacti plants. Most gardeners use the ‘soak and dry’ method, where the soil is allowed to dry out completely between watering. Then, the plant can be allowed a cooling period during winter. Watering is suspended altogether during this dormant period. Outdoor plants need more frequent watering than indoor plants—Thimble Cactus stores ample water, allowing the plant to survive prolonged periods without water. Overwatering is the leading cause of root rot. Having a watering schedule can help to overcome this problem.
Temperature and Humidity
Thimble Cactus is found growing naturally in desert conditions. Thus, the plant can naturally withstand scorching temperatures. The plant can also withstand light frost. A cooler temperature is ideal for the Thimble Cactus at the end of summer. At this time, the plant will start to bloom. Decreased watering helps to trigger blooming during lower temperatures.
Humidity is not suitable for the Thimble Cactus. It is a native of the desert, and humidity is not known in those areas. If the inside of your home is humid, it might be a good idea to use a dehumidifier.
Fertilizers and Feeding
The Thimble Cactus will survive without any fertilizer being added to it. However, fertilizer can be added once a month or once in two months for optimal plant growth. Fertilizers should be added only during the growing season and not during the period of dormancy.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
The Thimble Cactus is susceptible to pests common to all cacti and succulents. Spider mites, scale insects, and fungus gnats hide around the plant. A diluted solution of rubbing alcohol can solve this problem. Excessive watering causes fungal diseases. You must be careful and check your plant for discoloration or black spots around the base, as this is a sign of rotting roots. The best way to stop the plant from dying is to repot the plant in new dry soil after removing any rotting parts.
Too much or too little sunlight can alter the color of the plant. It may turn orange or yellow or have a bleached look. You can remedy this by placing the plant in a location where it will receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
If your Thimble Cactus acquires a wrinkly look, the plant needs water. When there is not enough water, it will draw from its stored reserves. This is the reason for the wrinkles. The best way to get back the healthy, plump look is to water the plant using the soak-and-dry method.
Best Uses
The Thimble Cactus is a cute plant often grown individually in tiny pots that are better suited for the size of the plant. However, you can use larger pots or a nook in your garden for clusters of the Thimble Cactus plant. Thimble Cactus is a popular party and wedding favor. They also blend easily in fairy gardens and collections of other cacti. They also make exciting centerpieces.
Conclusion
The Thimble Cactus is a fun-looking, pet, and hardy plant that can be grown and propagated easily. It does not require elaborate procedures for maintenance. A simple routine that ensures the right conditions is all you need for the Thimble Cactus to grow and bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Thimble Cactus need sun or shade?
Yes, the Thimble Cactus needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, its native habitat is the desert, and the plant will thrive in the sun.
How big do Thimble Cacti get?
The Thimble Cactus plant is about 3-5 inches in height and 3-4 inches in diameter.
Is a Thimble Cactus an indoor or outdoor plant?
It grows equally well both indoors and outdoors. The plant can be taken outdoors during the summer for direct sunlight and fresh airflow.
How long does it take for a Thimble Cactus to grow?
Thimble Cactus is known as a slow-growing plant. However, it will put down roots within 2-3 weeks and start growing and spreading its offsets. Repotting is done once in 2-3 years as needed.
Why is my Thimble Cactus not growing?
For optimal growth, the lighting conditions, the soil, and water all play a part in the growth rate of the Thimble Cactus. Too much light and water are not suitable for the plant. When any one or more conditions are not observed, the plant will stop growing. Repotting with new soil and careful watering will help the plant’s growth. In the growing season, fertilizer can be applied to the soil.
Why is my Thimble Cactus turning yellow at the bottom?
Overwatering, extreme cold, and extreme heat can cause the Thimble Cactus plant to be yellow and the roots of the plant are rotting. Repotting with new soil will take care of this problem.
Can I use Epsom salt as fertilizer for my Thimble Cactus?
Yes, Epsom salt can be an excellent homemade fertilizer. A tablespoon of Epsom salt diluted in 4 liters of water can be applied as needed.
Are eggshells good for cactus plants?
Plants require calcium in the same way they need phosphorous and nitrogen. Eggshells provide a good source of calcium for cactus plants.
Why are parts of my Thimble Cactus falling off?
The main reason for this is excessive water or insufficient water. Watering once a month is all you need to do. Examine your plant well for rotting or disease. Any part of the plant that has been affected can be removed carefully. This is also a good time to transfer the plant into a new pot with new soil and allow it to start growing once again.
Why is my Thimble Cactus turning red?
This signifies the plant’s stress due to environmental changes, root infections, and pathogenic infections. Correcting the amount of sun and water the plant receives will help to get it back on track.
