Origin
The Mammillaria parkinsonii is a type of cactus that originally hails from Mexico. The plant primarily grows in the dry, rocky areas of central parts of Mexico. The Mammillaria parkinsonii is also known by the name 'Owl-eye Pincushion'.

Characteristics
The Mammillaria parkinsonii is a small, spherical cactus. A distinguishing feature of this species is the dense coverage of white, wool-like hairs and short spikes on the 'ribs' of the cactus. The plant blooms in spring with bright yellow to orange flowers that emerge from the top of the cactus. In later stages, small, reddish fruits can appear.

Care
As a houseplant, the Mammillaria parkinsonii requires a lot of sunlight, so place this cactus in a spot where it gets plenty of direct sunlight. This cactus has a strong preference for well-draining soil, with a minimum addition of organic material. It is important to water the plant sparingly; this should be done about once every two weeks during the summer months, and this can be reduced to once a month in the winter months. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant.