Also known as Brain Cactus · Gold Lace Cactus · Golden Star Cactus
Mammillaria elongata, the lady's thimble cactus, is a prolific cluster-forming cactus with spirally arranged tubercles bearing radial spines.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers bright, direct sunlight for at least 4-6 hours daily. Can tolerate some partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day in very warm climates.
75% intensity
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings, water thoroughly in growing season, reduce drastically in winter.
25% intensity
Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures during the growing season (18-25°C). Can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter (10-15°C) which can encourage flowering.
50% intensity
Feed with diluted cactus/succulent fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
25% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In summer, water thoroughly, but ensure excellent drainage.
Reduce watering significantly in winter, providing only enough to prevent the roots from drying out completely. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot.
Pruning is generally not required for aesthetic reasons. However, remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant to maintain health and prevent disease.
Rotting stems or flowers should be carefully cut away with a clean, sharp knife.
Easily propagated from offsets (pups) that form around the base of the parent plant. Gently remove offsets with a clean knife, allow the cut surface to callus for a few days, and then plant in a well-draining cactus mix.
Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container, preferably in spring. Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, ensuring it has drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mammillaria Elongata (Mammillaria elongata)
Where Mammillaria Elongata (Mammillaria elongata) 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 elongata |
Similar in genus Mammillaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
