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full sun (6 or more hours of sun hitting the leaves per day. South-facing window, no obstructions. Under grow lights, keep them 4-8 inches away for 12-14 hours) to bright direct light. At least 6-8 hours daily. A south-facing windowsill is ideal indoors. Insufficient light leads to stretched, etiolated growth that ruins the compact shape.Light
Water deeply and then wait for the soil to dry completely before watering again. Reduce to once every 2-3 weeks in winter. In cool winter temperatures you can suspend watering almost entirely. Root rot from overwatering is the most common way to kill it.Water
Prefers low humidity. Standard indoor air is fine. No misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective) or pebble trays needed.Humidity
Happiest between 70-80 degrees F (21-27 degrees C). Can tolerate brief cold to about 23 degrees F (-5 degrees C) but frost will damage the stems. Cool winter temps (45-55 degrees F) help trigger spring blooming.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Mammillaria bocasana (Powder Puff cactus) covered in white hair-like spines

Powder Puff

Mammillaria bocasana

Easy

Mammillaria bocasana is a clumping, globe-shaped cactus completely covered in silky white hair-like spines that make it look like someone glued a cotton ball to a pot -- harmless and inviting until you discover the hooked central spines lurking beneath the fluff. It clusters into cheerful mounds over time and produces a ring of small cream or pink flowers around the crown each spring. If you want a cactus that looks nothing like the generic green spiky thing and thrives on mild neglect, this is a strong contender.

Care Guide

How to grow Powder Puff

Light

full sun (6 or more

Water

Water deeply and then wait

Humidity

Prefers low humidity.

Temperature

Happiest between 70-80 degrees F

Soil

70-80%

Propagation

Offsets (pups) that cluster around

Common Problems

Overwatering and root rot are

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Mammillaria bocasana holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit, which is about as official a stamp of approval as a cactus can get from the British gardening establishment.

Pet Safety

Pet safe

Non-toxic to humans and pets. The soft appearance is deceptive though -- the hooked central spines can catch skin and are difficult to remove. Handle with care.

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