Mammillaria winterae is a spherical cactus species that grows flatted to the ground with a solitary body attaining a large size (up to 30 cm in diameter) and is one of the largest Mammillaria.
Mammillaria winterae is a very distinctive plant with large, angled tubercles decorated by rings of pale greenish-yellow blooms. Grows mainly in the bushes in rocky habitats in the Sierra Madre Oriental. Near Monterrey it grows on low hills, with lots of limestone in the soil and subsoil rocks. Its flowers are quite large, yellowish white or greenish yellow in colour, up to 3 cm long and almost as wide. Inner perianth segments yellowish-white or greenish-white with sulphur yellow midveins, outer perianth segments brownish red with broad yellowish white margins. Mammillaria winterae is an easy to grow species, just as a classic cactus, don't requires any special treatment, that seems to enjoy, in cultivation, good root space, and well drained compost, though it is not a quick grower. It is a great plant for the cactus grower.