Scientific Name
Parodia erinacea (Haw.) N.P. Taylor
Synonym(s)
Cactus erinaceus, Cereus erinaceus, Echinocactus acuatus f. erinacea, Echinocactus corynodes var. erinaceus, Echinocactus erinaceus, Malacocarpus corynodes var. erinaceus, Malacocarpus erinaceus, Notocactus erinaceus, Wigginsia erinaceus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Parodia
Description
Parodia erinacea is a small cactus with a solitary, flattened, spherical to short cylindrical stem with 12 to 15 ribs and a woolly top. The stems are light to dark green and can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall and 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears none to one central spine and 2 to 12 radial spines. The spines are more or less pointing upwards, whitish, yellowish, grey, or brown, and can measure up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. The central spine is not much longer than the radials.
The flowers are yellow with bright red stigma lobes and appear in summer. They can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length and 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
If you can grow cacti and succulents successfully, you can likely grow the popular Parodia without too much trouble. However, it is key to remember that Parodias don't like direct sunlight and are accustomed to more even water than many other cacti species. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. To encourage better flowering, allow the plants to enjoy a cooling period in the winter and dramatically cut back watering. However, unlike other cacti species, you don't need to stop watering entirely. Lastly, ensure to fertilize during the growing season for the best results.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot Parodia, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with potting soil, spreading the roots as you repot.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Parodia.
Origin
Parodia erinacea is native to Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Links
- Back to genus Parodia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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