Texas Nipple Cactus

Texas Nipple Cactus (Mammillaria prolifera) is a clustering cactus that stays around 100mm tall and spreads to about 300mm, a low mound of small heads covered in fine white spines. Cream and yellow flowers ring the top of each head, followed by bright red fruit that often holds for months.

Why you'll love it

• It multiplies into a colony. Each head offsets around its base, so a young plant becomes a tight cluster within a few years.
• Flowers, then fruit. The red fruit holds on the plant far longer than the flowers do.
• It survives being forgotten. Drought and heat tolerant, it wants a soak and then weeks of nothing.
• Low maintenance. No pruning, almost no feeding and no repotting for years. It is happiest left alone in a tight pot.

Where it works best

Pots and containers. A shallow bowl 150mm to 250mm wide suits a plant that spreads sideways, on a bright windowsill or a balcony in full sun. Use free draining cactus mix in a pot with a drainage hole; a sealed decorative pot is the fastest way to lose it.

Rockeries and dry gardens. Plant into a gravel pocket where water runs away quickly. It suits arid, semi-arid, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens outdoors. In subtropical gardens keep it under eaves, because a wet humid summer is harder on it than any drought.

Growing Texas Nipple Cactus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun outdoors, or the brightest light indoors. It takes light frost only, so in cold districts keep it in a pot under cover through winter. Dry winter cold is tolerated far better than wet.

Soil. A cactus and succulent mix, or potting mix opened up with an equal part of coarse sand. Top dress with gravel to keep the base dry.

Water and feed. Soak it thoroughly, tip out the saucer, then let the mix dry all the way through before the next drink: every two to three weeks from spring to autumn, every six to eight weeks in winter. Half strength low nitrogen liquid feed twice over summer is all it needs.

Pruning. None required. If a head shrivels, twist it off at the base and let the wound dry. Wear gloves, since the spines are fine and catch in skin.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold as tube stock: one head or a small cluster rather than a full mound. Pot it into a 150mm container within the first month and it will begin offsetting in its first warm season. A single tube is a small purchase, so most customers order several; extra tubes cost little, and a group planted together grows into a broad colony much sooner than one head on its own.

Few plants travel better than a cactus. Leave yours dry and bright for a week before the first water so any disturbed roots heal. Delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95, and every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Low maintenance cacti for a front garden
• Browse the full cactus range
• Succulents for hot and dry climates
• More plants suited to balconies

Common questions

How often should I water it?

Every two to three weeks through the warm months, once the mix is dry right through, and every six to eight weeks in winter. Soft or discoloured heads mean too much water, not too little.

Will it flower indoors?

It can, but only in genuinely bright light. On a dim shelf it will survive without flowering.

Is it safe around pets?

The spines are the problem rather than the plant itself. They are fine, numerous and easily caught in a paw or a nose, so keep it up on a shelf in a home with cats or dogs.