Water
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period to prevent root rot. Overwatering is the most common cause of death for this species.
Ensure good drainage.
Also known as Grape Cactus · Hair-Covered Cactus · Little Candles
Mammillaria prolifera, the Texas Nipple Cactus, is a small, clumping cactus native to Texas and Mexico, known for its prolific offsets and small pinkish flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
75% intensity
Can tolerate full sun but may scorch in intense afternoon heat.
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
25% intensity
Water thoroughly when dry, but reduce significantly in winter.
Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
50% intensity
Average room temperatures to warm.
60% intensity
Tolerates heat well; requires cooler temperatures during winter dormancy for best blooming.
Sparingly during the growing season.
25% intensity
Use a diluted cactus fertilizer once a month from spring to early autumn.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
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. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period to prevent root rot. Overwatering is the most common cause of death for this species.
Ensure good drainage.
Pruning is generally not required for Mammillaria prolifera as it naturally forms dense clumps. If stems become damaged or diseased, they can be carefully removed with a sterile knife close to the base.
Ensure cuts are dry.
Easily propagated by offsets (pups) that grow around the base of the parent plant. Gently detach these offsets when they are large enough to handle, allow them to callus for a few days, and then plant in well-draining cactus mix.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the pot becomes overcrowded with offsets. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current root ball to avoid excess moisture retention.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Texas Nipple Cactus (Mammillaria prolifera)
Where Texas Nipple Cactus (Mammillaria prolifera) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Mammillaria |
| Species | Mammillaria prolifera |
Similar in genus Mammillaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
