Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/10/2007

Question
I bought a small round cactus and I'd like to know what type of cactus it is so that I'll know how to take care of it. It's a solid shade of green, shaped like a pumpkin, with a few randomly placed fuzzy dots on it that have little yellow spikes sticking out of them. Some of the spikes lay flat against the cactus, some stick up.
On the top in the middle is a dry white flower.
I know it could be one of thousands of types but I hope my description will help. I really want to be able to take care of it, and just finding out what it's called will help a ton.

Thanks,
Brandi

Answer
Brandi,

Based on your description, it sounds like a Mamillaria or a Notocactus. Both are small and round. However, the flower you describe was glued on the plant. Cactus flowers fall off once they have flowered and are not persistent. The best advice I can give is keep it out of direct sun and water only when the soil is dry. It will need very bright light though, just not direct sun. Otherwise, it should be very easy to care for. Hope this helps,

Sincerely,

Greg