Native to central Mexico, Mammillaria hahniana inhabits limestone rocky slopes between 1500 and 2000 meters elevation. It is a clumping, polycarpic species characterized by dense, white bristle-like spines unique within Mammillaria. Globose stem up to 12 cm diameter, covered with tubercles bearing dense white bristle-like spines 1–2 cm long; pale pink flowers 1.5 cm wide arranged in an apical ring.
Full direct sunlight exposure; watering restricted from spring to late summer, avoiding waterlogging; substrate composed of at least 70% mineral components (pumice, coarse sand); minimum temperature 5 °C; susceptible to root rot under persistent moisture.