Feather Cactus
Description
Mammillaria plumosa, the feather cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae, native to Northeastern Mexico. It grows to 12 cm (5 in) tall by 40 cm (16 in) broad. The clustering spherical stems, 7 cm (3 in) in diameter, are completely covered in white downy spines. White or greenish-yellow flowers are borne in late summer.
Mammillaria plumosa is one of several Mammillaria species to be cultivated.[3] In temperate regions, it must be grown under glass with heat. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Caltivation
In the native environment, Mammillaria plumosa is a perennial. If planted outdoors away from their home desert, these cacti are best used as annuals. Kept indoors, or brought indoors during cold weather, they will live for years.