Contents
Description
Mammillaria Carmenae is a cactus species that belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is a small, slow-growing cactus that is native to Mexico. The plant has a globular or cylindrical shape, and it can grow up to 6 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter. The plant has distinctive white or yellow spines that grow from the tubercles on its stem. The flowers of Mammillaria Carmenae are pink, purple, red or white and can bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Mammillaria |
| Species | Carmenae |
Appearance
The stem of Mammillaria Carmenae is covered in small bumps called tubercles that house its spines. The spines are white or yellow in color and grow in clusters of 3-6. The plant has a globular or cylindrical shape that can grow up to 6 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter. The flowers of Mammillaria Carmenae are pink, purple, red or white and bloom in the summer. The flowers are small and grow from the top of the plant. The fruit of Mammillaria Carmenae is red and contains small black seeds.
Care Guide
Mammillaria Carmenae is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a cactus fertilizer.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents.
- Sunlight: Mammillaria Carmenae prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate direct sunlight for short periods.
- Hardiness Zones: Mammillaria Carmenae is hardy in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mammillaria Carmenae is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. If you notice any infestations, isolate the plant immediately and treat it with an insecticide or insecticidal soap. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Mammillaria Carmenae is native to Mexico and can be found growing in rocky, dry areas. The plant is well adapted to surviving in hot, dry climates and can tolerate periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Mammillaria Carmenae be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Mammillaria Carmenae can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a bright location with plenty of indirect sunlight.
Q: How often should Mammillaria Carmenae be fertilized?
A: Fertilize Mammillaria Carmenae once a month during the growing season with a cactus fertilizer.
Q: How often should Mammillaria Carmenae be watered?
A: Water Mammillaria Carmenae regularly during the growing season but allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Reduce watering in the winter.
Q: How can I propagate Mammillaria Carmenae?
A: Mammillaria Carmenae can be propagated from stem or seed cuttings. Stem cuttings should be allowed to dry out for a few days before planting in a well-draining soil mix.
Related Plants
- Mammillaria Elongata
- Mammillaria Gracilis
- Mammillaria Spinosissima
- Mammillaria Prolifera
References
- “Mammillaria Carmenae.” Cactus Art Nursery. Accessed 18 June 2021. https://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/MAMMILLARIA/Mammillaria_carmenae/Mammillaria_carmenae/Mammillaria_carmenae.htm
- “Mammillaria Carmenae.” World of Succulents. Accessed 18 June 2021. https://worldofsucculents.com/mammillaria-carmenae/
- “Mammillaria Carmenae.” Desert Tropicals. Accessed 18 June 2021. https://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Mammillaria_carmenae.html
