Mammillaria gracilis fragilis

Thimble Cactus

Posted by: Cassidy Tuttle | Updated: March 29, 2022

This beautiful, small cactus has a cylindrical green body covered in interwoven white spines. “Thimble Cactus” grows in clusters, and propagates very easily. You can expect to see tiny cream-colored flowers in cooler months.

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Quick Look:

Full sun to partial shade
Typical water needs for a succulent
Plant grows up to 4″ (10 cm) tall
Heads grow up to 2″ (5 cm) wide each
Zone 10a (Minimum 30° F | -1.1° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by offsets
Generally non-toxic to humans and animals
Winter Dormant

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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Mammillaria gracilis fragilis “Thimble Cactus”

“Thimble Cactus” is the perfect succulent for beginners! It grows well indoors, requiring little effort.

Watering

Mammillarria gracilis fragilis has typical watering needs. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

Mammillaria gracilis fragilis “Thimble Cactus” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C), it's best to plant it in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.

Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere).

How to Propagate Mammillaria gracilis fragilis “Thimble Cactus”

Thimble Cactus is easy to propagate via offsets, making it perfect for ground cover.

Offsets

Thimble Cactus will produce small offsets, stemming off in clumps around the main tubercles. You can remove the offsets easily, using a pair of tongs and a sharp, sterile knife. Allow the offset to dry for several days before replanting.

Flowering Information

Thimble Cactus flowers in the early spring to winter. You can expect to see beautiful off-white to yellow flowers.