Scientific Name
Parodia leninghausii (Haage) F.H. Brandt
Common Name(s)
Golden Ball, Golden Ball Cactus, Lemon Ball, Lemon Ball Cactus, Yellow Tower, Yellow Tower Cactus
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus leninghausii, Eriocactus leninghausii, Eriocephala lenninghausii, Malacocarpus leninghausii, Notocactus leninghausii, Pilocereus lenninghausii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Parodia
Origin
Parodia leninghausii is native to southern Brazil. It occurs in Rio Grande do Sul at elevations that range from 980 to 4,270 feet (300 to 1,300 m), often on steep rocky inclines and cliffs.
Description
Parodia leninghausii is a beautiful cactus with erect stems with about 30 ribs lined with areoles that bear numerous gentle, golden yellow spines. The stems grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall and 4.8 inches (12 cm) in diameter, clustering from the base. They are globular at first, becoming columnar with age.
The flowers are yellow, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, and appear in clusters at the top of mature stems, at least 8 inches (20 cm) tall, in spring and summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 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's 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 fertilizer during the growing season for the best results.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a cactus, 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 out as you repot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Parodia.
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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