Mammillaria prolifera (Texas Nipple Cactus)

Mammillaria prolifera (Texas Nipple Cactus) is a low-growing clustering cactus that can form a dense clump of globose stems, 4 in. tall (10 cm) and up to 24 in. wide (60 cm). Each dark green stem, 2-3 in. in diameter (5-7 cm), bears dense, golden-yellow to white spines. In summer, a profusion of creamy-yellow flowers tinged pink, up to 0.7 in. long (1.8 cm), appear in old axils towards the top of the stems. They give way to edible red berries, 0.8 in. long (2 cm), that taste like strawberries. Easy to grow, this freely clustering cactus is perfect for containers. It can be grown as a houseplant, but also grows well outdoors in frost-free climates. Protect from cold, as this species is frost sensitive and only hardy to 23°F (-5°C) for brief periods.

• Grows up to 3-4 in. tall (7-10 cm) and up to 3-24 in. wide (7-60 cm).
• Easily grown in a standard cactus compost in full sun or bright filtered light. Water moderately when in growth. Make sure you let the soil dry out between waterings. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep the plant dry in winter.
• Feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed when in growth. Drought tolerant.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for mealybugs or red spider. Susceptible to rot if over-watered.
• Propagate by seed sown at 66-75°F (19-24°C) in early spring or by offsets.
• Repotting every 2-3 years.
• Native to Mexico, Texas, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.