Snowball Cactus
Scientific Name: Mammilloydia candida (Scheidw.) Buxbaum
Synonym: Cactus sphaerotrichus, Chilita candida, Chilita estanzuelensis, Mammillaria candida, Mammillaria candida var. sphaerotricha , Mammillaria estanzuelensis, Mammillaria ortizrubiana, Mammillaria sphaerotricha, Mammilloydia ortizrubiana, Neomammillaria ortizrubiana
Family: Cactaceae
Sunset®: 8-24, 29, 30
USDA: 9-10
Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 20° F (-6°C)
Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
Origin: Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo Laredo, San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato)
Growth Habits: Generally solitary, spherical, green cactus, up to 6 inches in diameter (15 cm)
Watering Needs: Regular water in summer
Propagation: Seeds
The Snowball Cactus is spherical with snow white short spines, appearing through a quantity of fine white hair. The new spines are often rose colored. The lack of light makes the white hair thinner. The species name candida, is coming from the latine for 'bright white'.
Blooming Habits:
Pale pink flower with an orange stripe along the axis of each petal, in late spring. The flowers are followed by red fruits.
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