Mammillaria plumosa 'Feather Cactus'

With a rounded, compact growth form, what lends feather cactus its name is the wispy texture of the hair-like spines emerging from its tightly spaced tubercles. All together, these ‘feathers’ nearly obscure the dark green base coloration of the plant, lending it a delicate aesthetic made all the more appealing by the dainty, butter yellow blooms that will emerge during the springtime.

Establishing clusters that can reach up to 5 inches tall and over 16 inches wide, thanks to a readily offsetting growth habit, feather cactus will perform the best when provided with ample bright, or even direct, sunlight each day. While all cacti prefer periods of dryness between waterings, the copious amounts of fluff surrounding the stems of this variety make it especially susceptible to rot. As such, be sure to follow a thorough but infrequent watering routine, allowing the soil to dry thoroughly in between – indeed, it is better to skip a watering altogether than risk watering too soon! Furthermore, avoid getting the fluffy spines wet whenever possible, instead watering the soil surface directly. Ample airflow around the stems will help to quickly dry any moisture that does collect, and a porous soil mixture within a well-draining pot will avoid issues with ‘wet feet.’

Hardy only to Zone 10, be sure to shield feather cactus from freezing temperatures, which could otherwise permanently damage the stems.