Mammillaria 'Oruga'

Peculiar in the most delightful of ways, this improved form is highly collectible. Our Tip: to promote flowers, encourage a winter dormancy by reducing water and light. Then when the weather warms, bring it into a sunny position and it should begin to bloom. Commonly known as Thimble Cactus.
Each olive green stem grows 1-3cm across and has a dense covering of white, snowball shaped spines. It looks good all year round.
It will even produce small yellow to pink flowers in spring and summer. It is relatively fast to produce offsets and the longer you have it, the more stems that will grow, gradually filling the pot. Allow them to keep in a cluster rather than separating if you want the best blooms.
What could be more dry hardy and easier to care for than the Cactus? Cactus are a top plant for all ages and a great way to encourage kids to garden. All you need to grow Cactus successfully is well drained soil, a sunny position and the restraint not to water.

SIZE (HxW): 5-8cm x 5-10cm
I SEE THE LIGHT: Choose a brightly lit position out of the hot afternoon sun (which may burn the leaves or damage the roots in the pot). Indoors, place your pot Cactus by a sunny window – you get the best colour in bright light. If you are growing yours outdoors and live in a cold area it is best bought indoors for winter.
I NEED A DRINK: Low water needs, water lightly then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. You are more likely to kill it with kindness than neglect. In pots, water the soil (not the foliage) as it begins to dry out. This will be roughly once a week in the warmer months and once every 2-3 weeks in winter – but always test this as different microclimates are just that. They will flower better after a dry winter.
I WILL SURVIVE: In pots use a well drained potting mix specially formulated for succulents and cactus. They aren’t huge fans of humidity, so it is best to ensure they have good air flow. You can remove the offsets as required, or allow them to fill the pot. Repot every three or four years to maintain vigour.
You don’t need to fertilise them very often or much, a diluted liquid feed to quarter strength in spring and summer is all they need to thrive.

Supplied as: Pots
Size: 7.5 cm