Texas Nipple Cactus
Mammillariaprolifera

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Mammillaria (mam-mil-AR-ee-uh)
Species: prolifera (pro-LEEF-er-uh)

Synonym:Mammillaria prolifera subsp. prolifera

Synonym:Mammillaria stellaris

Synonym:Mammillaria pusilla

Synonym:Neomammillaria prolifera

Synonym:Chilita prolifera

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage

Foliage Color

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)

Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Pale Pink
Pale Yellow
Cream/Tan

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Spring

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored