Water
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in winter.
Also known as Cactus · Pope's Head · Snow Cactus
Mammillaria nivosa, the Woolly Nipple Cactus, is a small globular cactus from the Canary Islands, noted for its dense white wool and prominent tubercles.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers bright, direct sunlight.
90% intensity
Full sun to partial shade
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
30% intensity
Reduce in winter
Requires a well-draining cactus or succulent mix, typically gritty with sand and perlite.
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures during growth.
70% intensity
Can tolerate cooler temperatures in dormancy
Outdoor, Greenhouse, Indoor
50% intensity
Feed with diluted cactus fertilizer during growing season.
40% intensity
Do not fertilize in winter
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in winter.
Pruning is generally not required. Remove any dead or damaged parts to maintain health and appearance. Propagate by offsets or seeds.
Easily propagated from offsets (pups) that grow at the base of the plant. Seeds can also be sown in well-draining soil mix.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container, preferably in spring. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Woolly Nipple Cactus (Mammillaria nivosa)
Where Woolly Nipple Cactus (Mammillaria nivosa) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Mammillaria |
| Species | Mammillaria nivosa |
Similar in genus Mammillaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data