The Mammillaria cactus genus is very extensive, so much so that it is not surprising that we find authentic wonders as is the case with our protagonist: Mammillaria carmenae. This is a small cactus perfect to grow in a pot throughout its life that, with a minimum of care, will give us its beautiful flowers every spring.
It may have the thorns of different colors, so that it is very easy to have a magnificent composition with which to brighten your day.
Mammillaria carmenae is the scientific name of a cactus native to east-central Mexico, specifically the state of Tamaulipas that won the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Merit for Gardening. It is made up of globose stems about 3-5cm thick and 5-7cm high covered by harmless thorns. which can be white, yellow or red.
During spring it produces small flowers, of about a centimeter, that sprout in the upper half of the plant. Sometimes it blooms in such quantity that it ends with a beautiful "crown" of white or pink flowers.
Mammillaria carmenae var. rubrispine
Image from The-organisation.net
If we talk about its cultivation, it is a plant that we will not find difficult to maintain. We will place it outside, in an area where the sun shines directly, and we will water letting the substrate dry between waterings. The only thing to always keep in mind is that it does not tolerate excess water, so it is highly recommended to plant it in a pot with black peat mixed with equal parts perlite, or with simply pumice.
So that I can flourish we must pay it with specific fertilizers for cacti Following the instructions specified on the packaging from early spring to late summer, and can also do it in autumn if we live in a mild climate. Also and during the rainy season it will be very necessary to use snail repellants, since these mollusks enjoy eating it .
Otherwise, resists cold and mild frosts down to -2ºC, but you need protection against hail.