Welcome to the world of Cactus! The stunning Fishhook cactus, also known as Mammillaria Carretii, is a member of Mammillaria saffordii! This globular beauty is a sight to behold with its dense supination and reddish hooked central spines that resemble fishhooks. It's like having a tiny fishing rod in your indoor garden!  

When it comes to blooming, this cactus doesn't shy away from showing off its explosive white-yellow with light peach tube blooms that are simply breathtaking. This little guy can grow up to 24 inches tall and 11 inches wide but prefers soil with good drainage and some shade.  

You won't need any fancy gardening skills for taking care of this cutie as it thrives in various conditions making it perfect for any collection or even gifting purposes! 

Watering Needs 

For fishhook cacti and for most other cacti don't water until the top 2 inches of soil is completely dry. Cacti are like camels and can go a long time without water. One of the main signs of lack of water is a pale discoloration and the stem starts to shrink and shrivel as the cactus starts to consume the water in its interior.  

In most environments, your cactus is fine going for 2 weeks or more without water. When you water, make sure there is a drain hole and water your cactus thoroughly so it can drink up as much water as it needs. Like a camel, it drinks a lot rather quickly and then does not need water for a long time. 

Light Requirements 

The fishhook cactus requires a lot of light and should be grown in either full sun or partial shade. New plants can get burned in the full sun as they were probably grown in a greenhouse; therefore, gradually increase their exposure to sunlight.  

If the sun is too bright and is burning your plant's leaves, consider purchasing a sunshade or moving the plant to a more shaded location. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The Mammillaria species prefer very light, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in regular soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and, most likely, root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized potting mix that contains organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your cactus to thrive. 

Organic fertilizers also last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your fishhook cactus some love with some awesome organic fertilizer once a year in the spring! 

Hardiness Zones & More 

The fishhook cactus thrives best at 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plant it outdoors, it grows best in USDA zones 10 and 11 in cooler zones. If you live in a colder climate, you should put them in a pot and they can then be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops. 

Give this Fishhook cactus - Mammillaria carretii a try if you're looking for an easy plant to care for!