Snowball Cactus (Mammilloydia candida): A Dazzling White Globe with Pink-Centered Flowers

Snowball Cactus forms a solitary or slowly clustering globe completely obscured by dense, short, white radial spines, giving it the appearance of a snowball. The central spines are longer, reddish-brown. In spring, it produces a ring of large, creamy-white to pale pink flowers with darker midstripes. Native to northeastern Mexico, it’s a prized collector’s plant for its immaculate white body.

Taxonomic Profile

Care

Bright light, some afternoon shade in hot climates. Very porous, mineral soil. Water carefully—sensitive to overwatering. Keep dry in winter. Hardy to 20°F (-7°C) if dry. Best grown in pots for protection from rain. Propagate from seeds.