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Mammillaria carmenae
  • RHS AGM

Isla Carmen pincushion cactus

M. carmenae is a clustering cactus with globose stems to 8cm in height, the areoles with about 100 cream radial spines; white or pink-tinged flowers 1cm in length are borne towards the apex of each stem in spring and summer

Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Pink White
Summer Green Pink White
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Mammillaria are spiny cacti with spherical or columnar stems, often in clusters, with many prominent tubercles, and funnel-shaped flowers usually in a ring near the apex of the stem

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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