Mammillaria vetula
Native range: Central Mexico
Known names: Thimble Cactus
Hardiness: USDA Zone 9 (20-30°F) to 11, protect from prolonged frost and freezing temperatures.
Mature Size: 2"-4" tall, 4"-8" wide (slow grower, typically adding 1" per year)
Light: Half day direct sun, full sun
Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; drought tolerant.
Soil: Extremely well-draining, gritty cactus and succulent mix.
Dormancy Period: Winter
Pet-Safe: No
Plant Size: Grown in 4" pot, shipped bare root.
 
Clumping and compact, Mammillaria vetula (aka Thimble cactus) forms a dense cluster of small, finger-like cylindrical stems covered in tiny white radial spines. It produces small, pale yellow, funnel-shaped flowers that encircle the stems, typically blooming in winter to spring. In cultivation, it requires a site with bright direct sunlight and an extremely well-draining, gritty succulent soil. People usually grow this plant as a container specimen or in arid rock gardens, as it tolerates extended drought once established. Its species name vetula means "old" or "little old woman," referring to the fuzzy, white hair-like spines that texture the mature clusters.