Looking for a new type of cactus plant to add to your collection then SnowBall Cactus can be a good choice. Snowballs are the types of cactus plants that are easy to grow and you don’t need to do special care for their planting.
Snowball Cacti is covered with white wool which looks beautiful and makes it look like a snowball. In this article, I will discuss how to grow cacti snowballs and the basic care you need to do for planting them at home.
The other name of the snowball cacti plant is “Mammillaria Candida”. This plant has its unique presence because it has thick prickles and white wool-type stuff which make it like a snowball. These cacti have sharp prickles and look cute so they need to be handled with care.
This cactus type is easy to grow and bloom in high sunlight, the sunlight helps this plant to grow more beautifully. If the sunlight is direct and the heat is very high then it may burn the plant so keep the balance of sunlight to save the plant.
Like the other types of cacti, the snowball cacti plants bloom in sunlight but also handle the cold weather better than other cacti. Snowball cacti can live if the soil is dry or in a temperature of as low as -5°C. The basics of these plants come from Mexico.
Basic Information About Cactus SnowBall:
Toughness | High |
Care Level | Low |
Care Difficulty | High |
Life Span | Perennial |
Watering Schedule | Every 3 weeks |
Sun Light Requirements | Full Sun |
Hardiness Zone | 10-13 |
Mammilloydia candida Care Tips
Snowball cacti plants grow in soil that can be cleared easily. A special kind of soil that is specially manufactured for snowball cacti can be a good choice too. These plants need sunlight but try to avoid the afternoon sunlight rays because they can cause burns. In summer, it needs more water because water dries easily but in winter the quantity of water should be low because the soil will be wet mostly.
Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to grow snowball cacti more effortlessly.
1. Watering Schedule for Cacti Snowball Plant
Snowball cacti is a plant that doesn’t need water daily. You can water the snowball plant after three weeks or when you feel like the soil is totally dry. During the watering try to avoid the overwatering.
When the potting soil absorbs the water then remove the remaining water from the pot. In winter, the cactus snowball plant didn’t need more water because of the wet environment. You can water the plant in winter when you feel like the soil is dry.
2. Sunlight Requirements for Snowball Cacti Plant
Snowball cacti is a type of cacti plant that needs sufficient sunlight to grow and bloom more efficiently. It can be kept on the balcony of the roof or in a garden with tree shadow. The accession of everything is dangerous so try to avoid the direct sunlight. You need to save your plant from direct sunlight rays, especially in afternoon sunlight rays.
3. Ideal Temperature Range for Cacti Snowball Plant
Cacti snowballs grow in dry and hot places. The ideal temperature guide for snowball cacti is between 20°C and 35°C. In winter the best temperatures are 10°C and in summer are hotter than 35°C. You need to keep it in a low-humidity area.
4. Best Soil type for Snowball Cacti Plant
The best type of soil for cactus snowballs is stone type or soil through which the air and water can be passed easily. The pH level of the soil should be between 6 and 7. A good mix is 60% vermiculite (a type of lightweight material) + 20% coco coir or peat moss + 20% sandy soil. You can also add a bit of regular potting soil to the mix.
The roots of the snowball cacti need more oxygen so if the soil doesn’t allow the air to pass then the root will be damaged. To check the best type of soil pour the water in it if it passes easily then its a be choice.
5. The best time to Transplant the Cacti Snowball Plant
The best time to place the cacti plant from one place to another is the moderate temperature. The season of autumn and spring will be a good choice to change the pace of the plant. First, you need to check the suitable place to place the plant after removing it from the first place. If you hold the root gently then you can safely change the place of the snowball cacti.
FAQ’s
Q 1. What is the best soil for a snowball cacti plant?
Ans: The best type of soil for snowball cacti is that through which the water and air pass easily. Snowball cacti plants need more oxygen as compared to other types of cacti.
Q 2. How much sunlight does a snowball cacti need?
Ans: Snowball cacti also need an intensive amount of sunlight but you need to save them from direct rays of sunlight in the afternoon because it will damage the plant.
Q 3. Can I fertilize my cacti snowball plant?
Ans: Yes, you can fertilize the plant in summer by using diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer. Try to avoid fertilization in winter.
Q 4. What are common pests and diseases that affect the snowball?
Ans: Mealybugs and scale insects are common pests found in snowball cacti plants. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Rotting can occur from overwatering.
Q 5. Can I grow a cacti snowball plant indoors?
Ans: Yes, you can grow a cacti snowball plant indoors in the house but try to provide as much sunlight as you can.