Synonyms:

Mammillaria vetula
Chilita vetula
Escobariopsis vetula
Neomammillaria vetula
Cactus pulchellus
Cactus regius
Chilita fragilis
Escobariopsis gracilis
Krainzia gracilis
Mammillaria fragilis
Mammillaria gracilis var. fragilis
Mammillaria gracilis var. pulchella
Mammillaria gracilis f. pulchella
Mammillaria grandiflora
Mammillaria kuentziana
Mammillaria magneticola
Mammillaria pulchella
Mammillaria regia
Mammillaria vetula subsp. gracilis
Mammillaria vetula subsp. lacostei
Mammillaria vetula subsp. magneticola
Neomammillaria fragilis

Habitat:

Mammillaria gracilis cv. Texensis is native to North America, specifically the arid regions of Texas and Mexico. These areas are characterized by their hot and dry climates, with well-draining sandy or rocky soils. In its natural habitat, the Texensis cultivar can be found thriving in open plains, deserts, and rocky hillsides. This cactus has adapted to harsh conditions and is often seen growing in clusters, providing it with some protection from the intense sun and predators.

Description:

Mammillaria gracilis cv. Texensis is a diminutive cactus belonging to the Cactaceae botanical family. The cactus typically reaches a height of 5 to 15 cm and a width of 5 to 10 cm. Its cylindrical or columnar shape is covered in small, finger-like tubercles that give it a unique appearance. These tubercles are pale green to bluish-green, and they are closely spaced along the stem. On top of each tubercle sits a cluster of soft, white spines, which resemble feathers, thus giving the cactus its common name, “Feather Cactus.” One of the most captivating features of this plant is its dainty, star-shaped flowers. These blooms appear in spring or early summer and measure approximately 2.5 cm in diameter. They can vary in color, ranging from shades of pink, red, or white. The contrast between the delicate flowers and the spiky tubercles creates a stunning visual display that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Cultivation:

This is a slow growing plant, easy to cultivate. The plant needs a full sunlight exposure but is recommended to avoid direct sun-light during the hottest periods. The plant does not like temperatures below 7°C so it needs to be placed indoors in the coldest periods. The soil should be mixed with pumice, clay and loam to allow for drainage and prevent root rot, as the plant is prone to it. Remember to use a perforated pot to drain excess water. Watering can be done regularly in spring and summer: during the vegetative period you can water the plant every 7 days, checking that the soil is completely dry before watering again. In winter you should stop the watering to allow the plant to enter dormancy. If you want a faster and lusher growth, you can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with specific fertilizers for succulents; stop fertilizing throughout the winter. If the pot becomes too small for the plant, you can repot it in a pot that is 2 cm wider. Repotting should be done early in the growing season with fresh new potting soil. Be careful to red spiders and mealybugs.

Propagation:

Propagation can be done by cutting, by seed or by offsets. When propagating through cuttings, make the cut during the spring and then let the cutting dry. After a few days, the cut surface will dry, and a callus will form. Place the cutting in a mixture of sand, soil, and pumice. To increase the success of propagation, you can make two or more cuttings at the same time. For cuttings, it is recommended to maintain temperatures around 20°C. Propagation by seed is a simple method to propagate the plant. Simply sow the seeds in sandy loam soil and keep them in an environment with a high level of humidity and at a temperature of 14°C. Offsets, often referred to as “pups,” is the most common method of propagation for Mammillaria; these are small cacti that develop around the base of the parent plant. These can be carefully separated and potted individually once they have reached a reasonable size.

Curiosity:

The name of the genus come from the Latin word ‘Mammilla’ that means ‘teat’ or ‘nipple’ and refers to the numerous, nipple-shaped tubercles of their stem, that are the distinctive feature of this genus. In addition to its horticultural popularity, Mammillaria gracilis cv. Texensis has cultural significance among indigenous communities in Texas and Mexico. Some groups have traditional medicinal uses for this cactus, employing it to treat various ailments.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

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www.giromagicactus.com

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