Looking for a green addition to your home that is easy to grow, doesn’t require too much water and can take full sun? I present to you: Mammillaria gracilis, also known as the thimble cactus. This cactus ticks all the boxes and to top it all off, it’s adorable too.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about growing the super hardy Mammillaria gracilis in your own home!
| Name(s) (common, scientific) | Thimble cactus, Mammillaria gracilis |
| Difficulty level | Easy |
| Recommended lighting | Bright & sunny |
| Water | When completely dry |
| Soil type | Well-draining |
Mammillaria gracilis natural habitat
Like many of the cacti and succulents we love to grow in our homes, Mammillaria gracilis is naturally found in Mexico. Specifically, it grows in the states of Guanajuato, Hidalgo and Querétaro.
In its natural habitat, Mammillaria gracilis is found growing in clustering form in pine forests.
Mammillaria gracilis light & temperature
Light
Almost all succulents are high light houseplants that love plenty of light and will grow leggy if they don’t receive enough sun. Things are no different for the thimble cactus. Although it can survive in moderate light conditions, it will really appreciate being placed near the brightest window you can offer it.
If you’ve got some outdoor space, try moving your thimble cactus there during the warm months of summer. It’ll really appreciate being outside, although in some climates it might be necessary to provide some extra shelter from the rain.
Temperature
The thimble cactus naturally occurs in an area of Mexico that can’t exactly be considered hospitable to plant life, meaning it has evolved to withstand pretty much anything nature can throw at it.
Both scorching temperatures and light frost (down to slightly below 0 °C/32 °F) will be tolerated as long as the plant is allowed to adapt slowly. In fact, a cooler period is needed at the end of summer if you want to see your thimble cactus at its most spectacular. Lower temperatures and decreased watering trigger blooming.
Mammillaria gracilis soil & planting
One of the prime causes of succulent (and thus, cactus) death is incorrect planting. The wrong soil or pot can quickly prove fatal to your thimble cactus because proper drainage is one of the most important aspects of its care.
Soil
Cactus soil should be well-draining. In fact, some cactus enthusiasts that grow their plants in wetter climates plant them in pure grit to prevent root rot! A popular basic cactus soil ‘recipe’ is 50% potting soil mixed with 50% perlite.
You can buy succulent/cactus soil online, but keep in mind that not all products marketed as such are actually ideal for these drainage-loving plants. Some are still too rich in potting soil. An easy ‘hack’ to keep in mind is that a soil-less medium often works well for succulents like the thimble cactus. These consist (almost) completely of grit.
Planting
Cacti do not like their roots wet and can quickly rot if water stands in their pot for too long. This means that unless you’re an experienced plant enthusiast, it’s best to completely avoid pots that don’t have drainage holes. Watering mistakes are easily made!
The best choice for cacti and succulents like the thimble cactus is usually considered an unglazed terracotta pot with a drainage hole at the bottom. The hole allows excess water to drain, while the porous terracotta breathes and prevents the soil from staying damp for too long. Keep the plant on a saucer to avoid staining your windowsills.
Did you know? You can have a look at the full article on planting succulents for all the information you need about potting succulents like the thimble cactus.
Watering Mammillaria gracilis
Proper watering is the key to cactus success and, with that, many beginners’ biggest struggle.
- While it’s impossible to tell you exactly when you should water your thimble cactus (as the ideal frequency depends on lighting and other factors), there are a few basic guidelines that you can follow.
- Remember that succulents have evolved to store water and can therefore go without it for quite a while. Even during summertime when the plant is actively growing, you don’t have to water it until the soil is fully dried out.
- If the plant is outdoors and getting full sun that might mean only once or twice a week, if it’s indoors it could be even less.
- During winter, like many cacti, the thimble cactus requires even less water. Once a month or less will probably work just fine.
Did you know? You can find more information in the article about watering succulents.
Mammillaria gracilis fertilizer
Your thimble cactus will appreciate the occasional (monthly, for example) application of cactus fertilizer.
Do keep in mind that it only needs this during the growing season. Fertilizing during wintertime when the plant is dormant can quickly cause issues.
Propagating Mammillaria gracilis
The thimble cactus is known for being fragile: pieces of this cactus easily break off. Luckily this doesn’t have to be a problem, as the species is also very easy to propagate.
All you need to do to turn one thimble cactus into more thimble cacti is place broken pieces on some well-draining soil, either in the mother plant’s pot or a new one. That’s it! The plant will root within a few weeks and continue growing as usual.
Buying Mammillaria gracilis
Thimble cacti are relatively popular in the houseplant hobby thanks to their hardiness and decorative appearance. Your local plant store/garden center might get shipments of this species in from time to time. You can also try seeing if there are any nurseries nearby that might carry it.
The easiest way to acquire a lot of plants, including the thimble cactus, is to buy them online. There are simply more sellers!
Is Mammillaria gracilis toxic to cats and dogs?
According to the ASPCA, the thimble cactus is non-toxic, which means it’s a good option for those with pets and kids. I wouldn’t expect its spines to cause much trouble either, as they don’t stick out and prick. You’ll notice when repotting this cactus that you can handle it just fine.
