If you want to add a gorgeous cactus to your collection, why not start with these unique types of Mammillaria cacti? Read along!
One of the most charming cactus varieties you can collect is the Mammillaria. Usually known for being small, clustered cacti, they totally live up to their name, which comes from the Latin word meaning “nipple.” Curious? Take a look at some of the best types below.
Types of Mammillaria Cactus
1. Ladyfinger Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria elongata
Did you know this cactus is also called “Golden Stars” or “Gold Lace Cactus”?
Straight from Mexico, this small cactus packs a punch! Though it only grows 6 to 8 inches tall, it forms clusters of finger-like stems covered in yellow-brown spines that give it a unique look. In spring, it shows off pretty white or pale yellow flowers.
2. Old Lady Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria hahniana
If you observe closely, you will really understand why this cactus has such an interesting name. This spherical cactus has white spines all over its body, which look like snowy fur or just like the hair of an old woman!
The Old Lady cactus has a pretty fast growth rate but needs well-draining soil that is on the gritty side. And yes, it even produces edible fruit!
3. Little Nipple Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria heyderi
Here’s another short, globular cactus that stays around 4–6 inches wide. It hugs the ground so closely that in the wild, you might miss it—especially when it’s half-buried under gravel.
If you’re growing it at home, give it full sun with some light shade during hot summer afternoons. Its cream-colored flowers form a ring on top, and it bears small, bright red fruits too.
4. Finger Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria longimamma
What stands out is its unique conic-pyramidal shape, growing up to 15–30 cm tall. In winter, the Finger Cactus goes dormant, and in the wild, it hides under shrubs and other cactus species for protection.
It’s a slow grower but rewards you with bright yellow blooms in spring. Fertilize regularly during its active growing season for the best results.
5. Thimble Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria vetula
Now this cactus is perfect for pots! Also known as the “Powder Puff Cactus,” this small, clustering cactus with a bluish-green background is native to Central Mexico. Its cylinder-like stems are covered with short white spines, and it grows to about 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide.
Like other cacti on this list, Thimble Cactus blooms in the spring and also from late summer to autumn with delicate white and creamy yellow flowers.
Pro tip: This fast-growing cactus looks uber cool in all types of settings!
6. Rose Pincushion Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria zeilmanniana
The Rose Pincushion is one of the most prolific bloomers in the Mammillaria genus! Featuring a dark green globular body covered with red central spines, you’ll also see clusters of white radial spines. And that’s not all, because we simply cannot forget about the flowers!
The rings of reddish violet flowers can bloom at literally any time of the year! Remember to water regularly in summer, and if you ever want more of this cactus, you can always propagate it through seeds.
7. Owl Eye Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria microthele
First up, how cool is the name! It fits this cactus perfectly with its dense white spines forming a neat pattern on a dark green body.
Though it’s non-toxic, the spines are actually sharp as needles—so handle with care.
8. Rainbow Pincushion Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria rhodantha
And we have brought to you another prolific bloomer! It may not have a Snapchat streak, but it sure has the longest non-stop blooming streak of any Mammillaria species, starting from spring to autumn.
Besides that, another reason this clumping cactus has been an old favorite for so long is that it does not need any special treatment except lots of light.
Plus, it too flowers with beautiful deep purple-pink to red blooms.
9. Spiny Pincushion Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria spinosissima
With this one, you know that Mexico is practically the hub of cacti! Also known as the “Red Headed Irishman,” this fast-growing cactus is super easy to cultivate at home. It grows to about 12 inches in height and goes dormant in winter.
Most importantly, you will love the exceptional purple-yellow flowers on this cactus, which bloom from early to mid-summer.
10. Feather Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria plumosa
The name says it all! Well, rest assured, it is quite appropriate considering that this clustering cactus is covered by dense, white spines which are quite soft, just like feathers!
But this fluffy appearance is not just about cute aesthetics; these spines, though soft, serve as a protective mechanism against predators and help to reduce water loss through evaporation. It grows slowly and remains compact, making it perfect for containers and pots.
So these were the best types of Mammillaria cactus. Of course, there are many more out there. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
