Mammillaria huitzilopochtli aka Cat's Whisker

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Cat's Whisker, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Cat's Whisker’s native range is the Southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Cat's Whisker does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

The Cat's Whisker is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Cat's Whisker requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Mammillaria Huitzilopohctli is always in the right place to thrive.

Cat's Whisker prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

The Cat's Whisker is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

During the wintertime, it is common for Cat's Whisker plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.