The Lady Finger Cactus features stems resembling fingers, hence its name. The bright-green tubes produce yellow or golden-colored spines. Blooming occurs in early spring with flowers of white, pale yellow, or bright pink growing from the upper portion of the stems.
The Mammillaria cactus requires up to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for mature plants. Partial shade is also acceptable for young plants but increase its light exposure as the plant matures.
Allow the soil to dry between watering and water enough to evenly moisten the soil without making it soggy. Taper off waterings in the fall and withhold water during the dormant winter months.
Provide a fast-draining soil for your Lady Finger cactus. Use either a soil designed for cacti or create a mix of potting soil amended with sand or perlite. Add a layer of fine gravel to the bottom of the plant’s pot.
Average household temperatures and humidity are suitable for the Lady Finger Cactus. Do not keep the plant in rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms or the kitchen. The cactus is not frost tolerant so, if placing the plant outside, bring it in before temperatures dip to below 20 degrees Fahrenheit ( -4 degrees Celsuis).
The Lady Finger cactus is best propagated by cuttings from a mature plant. Place the cutting in indirect sunlight with warm temperatures. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, until the cutting forms roots.