Scientific Name
Parodia lenninghausii (F.Haage) F.H.Brandt ex Eggli & Hofacker
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus lenninghausii, Eriocactus lenninghausii, Eriocephala lenninghausii, Malacocarpus lenninghausii, Notocactus lenninghausii, Parodia leninghausii, Pilocereus lenninghausii
Common Name(s)
Golden Ball, Golden Ball Cactus, Lemon Ball, Lemon Ball Cactus, Yellow Tower, Yellow Tower Cactus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Parodia
Etymology
The specific epithet "lenninghausii" (pronounced "len-ing-HOW-see-eye") honors Wilhelm (Guillermo) Lenninghaus (1845-1918), a German-born emigrant to Porto Alegre, Brazil, who collected cacti for the German horticulturist and botanist Friedrich Ferdinand Adolph Haage🡕. Although it is often misspelled "leninghausii," the correct spelling is "lenninghausii," reflecting the honoree's surname, which has a double "n."
Origin
Parodia lenninghausii is native to southern Brazil. It occurs in Rio Grande do Sul at elevations ranging from 980 to 4,270 feet (300 to 1,300 m), often on steep, rocky inclines and cliffs.
Description
Parodia lenninghausii, usually listed as Parodia leninghausii, is a beautiful cactus with erect stems that have about 30 ribs lined with areoles, each bearing numerous gentle, golden yellow spines. The stems cluster from the base and can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall and 4.8 inches (12 cm) in diameter. They are initially globular, but become columnar with age.
In the spring and summer, Parodia lenninghausii produces yellow flowers arranged in clusters at the top of mature stems, which are at least 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The flowers can reach 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Parodia lenninghausii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 Parodia don't like direct sunlight and are accustomed to more even water than many other cacti. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and standing water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. To encourage better flowering, allow the plants to enjoy a cooling period in winter and reduce watering significantly. However, unlike other cacti species, you don't need to stop watering entirely. Lastly, ensure that you apply 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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