Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Ladyfinger cactus
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Ladyfinger cactus
Mammillaria elongata · Gold lace cactus
A clumping cactus with finger-like stems covered in golden, lacy spines. Quickly fills a pot and spills over the edges.
Full sunLight
Every 2–3 weeksWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Bright light with direct sun.
Water
Every 2–3 weeks
DryWet
Water only when dry.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air.
Temperature
5–35°C (41–95°F)
CoolWarm
Protect from frost.
Growth
Moderate, clumping
SlowFast
Stems 10–15 cm, spreads wide.
Soil
Cactus mix
LeanRich
Gritty mix.
Fertiliser
Twice a year
RarelyOften
Diluted cactus fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic.
About this plant
Native to central Mexico, ladyfinger cactus grows into dense mats of slender stems. Pieces snap off easily and root, making it simple to share.
Best spots
Sunny windowsills, shallow bowls, rockeries and balcony pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Mammillaria elongata |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Origin | Central Mexico |
| Plant type | Clumping cactus |
| Mature size | 15 cm × 30 cm+ |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Spines | Golden, lacy |
| Flowers | Small cream flowers |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Propagation | Stem pieces |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Flowering
Keep dry
Active growthFloweringKeep dry
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Floppy stems | Not enough light. |
| Rotting | Overwatering. |
| Brown patches | Sunburn. |
| Stems falling off | Normal; they root easily. |
| Mealybugs | Treat with alcohol. |
Common questions
How do I propagate it?
Let a stem dry for a few days, then press into dry cactus mix.
Does it flower?
Yes, small cream flowers in spring.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Does it need a big pot?
A wide, shallow one suits it.
