Lady Finger Cactus

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Cactus & Succulent Garden

Lady Finger Cactus

  • Common Name: Lady Finger Cactus (other common names: Kopper Lady Fingers)
  • Scientific Name: Mammillaria elongata 'Copper King'
  • Family Name: Cactaceae
  • Origin: Central and SW America - Mexico
  • Height: under 6”
  • Width: 6” – 9”
  • Growth: quickly (spreading)
  • Zone: 9B - 11
  • Light Needs: Sun – Partial shade
  • Salt Tolerance:  unknown
  • Soil/PH/Texture: prefer a cactus potting mix or a slightly acidic soil of around 6 pH.
  • Soil Moisture: Minimal water needs, check regularly but do not over water to avoid rot root, make sure there is good drainage. (In winter months cut off watering)
  • Drought Tolerance: High
  • Pests/Diseases: No serious pests or diseases but is susceptible to rot root if overwatered. Watch for mealybugs and aphids.
  • Growing Conditions: easy to grow and low maintenance
  • Characteristics: This cactus plant is sometimes called 'Lady Fingers' because of its showy, copper colored, long finger-like stems, and star-shaped harmless spines. Its blooms are pale yellow – cream/tan – pink and appear in late winter – mid spring.
  • Propagation: by seed, offshoots, or woody stem cuttings (allow the surface to callous over before planting)
  • Wildlife: unknown
  • Facts: unknown
  • Designer Considerations: not used so much as a landscaping plant but as groundcover or a low spreading plant in a garden bed. It is more commonly used as a potted plant or in a hanging basket for the patio, and it also makes a great houseplant.