Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’
Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’

Introducing the Mammillaria pulmosa, known as feather cactus, which is a fascinating cactus species that belongs to the Mammillaria genus. Native to the desert regions of Mexico, specifically in the states of San Luis Potosi, Queretaro, and Hidalgo, it has gained popularity due to its unique appearance and interesting characteristics.

Mammillaria pulmosa is a clustering cactus that is covered in dense, soft white spines that resemble feathers, giving it a delicate and fluffy appearance. These spines serve as a protective mechanism against predators and help to reduce water loss through evaporation.


When mature, it typically can grow up to 6 inches tall and 16 inches wide. The compact size of its mound of globose stems makes it a popular choice for indoor cultivation, as it can thrive in small pots or containers.

The Feather Cactus is known for its slow growth rate, so it may take several years to reach its full size.

The flowers of Mammillaria pulmosa are typically small and dainty, adding a touch of charm to the already captivating appearance of the cactus.

It produces beautiful creamy white, greenish-yellow, or dull pink with sweet fragrance during the late summer.

To improve flowering in Millillaria cacti, allow them to cool in winter and suspend watering. They have raised tubercles that expand when watered, allowing for increased water storage. The halo effect of flowers emerges from the axils of these tubercles, indicating their unique growth. Avoid prolonged dampness and sitting water, and never let them sit in water. Fertilize once a year in the spring during the growing season for optimal results.

When it comes to Mammillaria pulmosa care, indoors it prefers the southern-facing window, and outdoors in full sun to partial sun-light with well-draining soil.  If kept in a sunny location, Feather cactus will need to be watered once a week. You may need to water it once every two weeks if it is in a semi-shaded area. 

The Feather Cactus can grow outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 11 and is also frost hardy to 20° F. As it prefers warmer indoor temperatures between 65-75 °F, it should not be exposed to freezing temperatures for too long. During the winter months, it's best to reduce watering as the cactus goes into a period of dormancy.

When it comes to propagation, Mammillaria pulmosa can be propagated through offsets or seeds. Offsets, also known as "pups," are small plantlets that grow around the base of the parent plant. These can be carefully separated and replanted to create new individual plants. Alternatively, you can collect ripe seeds from the flowers and sow them in well-draining soil to start new plants.

Overall, the Mammillaria pulmosa, or Feather Cactus, is a delightful addition to any cactus collection. You can never go wrong with the Mammillaria Plumosa Feather Cactus. Caring for this succulent plant is not difficult at all, and they will repay you by being one-of-a-kind cacti. You should definitely try this fresh breathy plant once either to impress your guests or simply to feel good.

Bloom Season Late summer
Botanical Name Mammillaria plumosa
Common Name Feather cactus
Dormancy Winter
Family Cactaceae
Flower Color Creamy white, greenish yellow, dull pink
Genus Mammillaria
Growth Habit Globular stem
Growth Rate Slow
Hardiness Zone 9, 10, 11
Mature Size 6 in. tall, 16 in. wide
Native Area Northeastern Mexico
Plant Type Flowering plant, Cactus
Propagation By cuttings, offsets
Resistance Extremely drought-tolerant, Heat tolerant, deer resistance
Soil PH 6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type Cactus potting mix soil
Special Features Soft, fluffy, evergreen plant
Sun Exposure Full sun, partial shade
Toxicity Friendly to humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats
Watering Needs Low

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Feather Cactus ‘Mammillaria pulmosa’

sku: 205

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Regular price$ 11.49
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Please note: All Landscape Ready plants that are in a 6-inch pot or larger WILL NOT come with a pot as it will be shipped bare root.

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Please note: Our large plants are many years old, and as a result, they might have minor scaring but will arrive 100% healthy and looking great.

Please note: Our large plants are shipped bare root. They are also many years old, and as a result, they might have minor scaring but will arrive healthy and looking great.

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Detailed description of this plant is below...

If you live in a cold climate and are expecting temperatures below 40 degrees within the next five days after placing your order, we highly recommend adding a heat pack to your order. If you do not order a heat pack, we do not send one with your order.

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To prevent plants from freezing while in transit, orders placed for areas with extreme severe freezing temperatures will be held for shipment until it is safe to ship.

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER $89 in the
Continental US.

Plants that are in 3.5" pots and smaller will be shipped in its pot to prevent any damage to the roots.

Any plant that is 6" and larger WILL NOT come with a pot as it will be shipped bare root.

Depending on the species and season, you will receive a very similar plant to the one in the picture. It may or may not be blooming at the time of your purchase.

We ship via USPS Priority Mail, If you don't get Free Shipping, then we calculate the shipping cost based on the weight and volume of your purchase.

Care instructions are included in every package you order. Please allow us up to 3 business days to process your order. Depending on your location, we will ship the plants on a certain day to avoid transit time during weekends or holidays. If you wish to receive your order on a specific date, or have special instructions, please add a note on your order. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at any time.

  • Description
  • Key Plant Features

Introducing the Mammillaria pulmosa, known as feather cactus, which is a fascinating cactus species that belongs to the Mammillaria genus. Native to the desert regions of Mexico, specifically in the states of San Luis Potosi, Queretaro, and Hidalgo, it has gained popularity due to its unique appearance and interesting characteristics.

Mammillaria pulmosa is a clustering cactus that is covered in dense, soft white spines that resemble feathers, giving it a delicate and fluffy appearance. These spines serve as a protective mechanism against predators and help to reduce water loss through evaporation.


When mature, it typically can grow up to 6 inches tall and 16 inches wide. The compact size of its mound of globose stems makes it a popular choice for indoor cultivation, as it can thrive in small pots or containers.

The Feather Cactus is known for its slow growth rate, so it may take several years to reach its full size.

The flowers of Mammillaria pulmosa are typically small and dainty, adding a touch of charm to the already captivating appearance of the cactus.

It produces beautiful creamy white, greenish-yellow, or dull pink with sweet fragrance during the late summer.

To improve flowering in Millillaria cacti, allow them to cool in winter and suspend watering. They have raised tubercles that expand when watered, allowing for increased water storage. The halo effect of flowers emerges from the axils of these tubercles, indicating their unique growth. Avoid prolonged dampness and sitting water, and never let them sit in water. Fertilize once a year in the spring during the growing season for optimal results.

When it comes to Mammillaria pulmosa care, indoors it prefers the southern-facing window, and outdoors in full sun to partial sun-light with well-draining soil.  If kept in a sunny location, Feather cactus will need to be watered once a week. You may need to water it once every two weeks if it is in a semi-shaded area. 

The Feather Cactus can grow outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 11 and is also frost hardy to 20° F. As it prefers warmer indoor temperatures between 65-75 °F, it should not be exposed to freezing temperatures for too long. During the winter months, it's best to reduce watering as the cactus goes into a period of dormancy.

When it comes to propagation, Mammillaria pulmosa can be propagated through offsets or seeds. Offsets, also known as "pups," are small plantlets that grow around the base of the parent plant. These can be carefully separated and replanted to create new individual plants. Alternatively, you can collect ripe seeds from the flowers and sow them in well-draining soil to start new plants.

Overall, the Mammillaria pulmosa, or Feather Cactus, is a delightful addition to any cactus collection. You can never go wrong with the Mammillaria Plumosa Feather Cactus. Caring for this succulent plant is not difficult at all, and they will repay you by being one-of-a-kind cacti. You should definitely try this fresh breathy plant once either to impress your guests or simply to feel good.

Bloom Season Late summer
Botanical Name Mammillaria plumosa
Common Name Feather cactus
Dormancy Winter
Family Cactaceae
Flower Color Creamy white, greenish yellow, dull pink
Genus Mammillaria
Growth Habit Globular stem
Growth Rate Slow
Hardiness Zone 9, 10, 11
Mature Size 6 in. tall, 16 in. wide
Native Area Northeastern Mexico
Plant Type Flowering plant, Cactus
Propagation By cuttings, offsets
Resistance Extremely drought-tolerant, Heat tolerant, deer resistance
Soil PH 6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type Cactus potting mix soil
Special Features Soft, fluffy, evergreen plant
Sun Exposure Full sun, partial shade
Toxicity Friendly to humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats
Watering Needs Low

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