Mammillaria carmenae is commonly known as Carmen pincushion cactus. Its natural habitat is Tamaulipas, Mexico. In its natural habitat it grows in pine forest in crevices in north facing rocks. It is a small solitary or clustering cactus with globose stems. The radial spines from the areoles are a cream color and in late winter - early spring it blooms white or pink tinged flowers about 1cm in length.
It’s a relatively rapid growing species. Water regularly in summer, but do not over-water (rot prone). Use a pot with good drainage and a very porous potting media. Keep dry in winter. It is quite frost resistant if kept dry, hardy as low as -5° C. Outside full sun or afternoon shade, inside it needs bright light, and some direct sun.
