Parodia microsperma is a highly variable species in the shape, spination, and color of the spines and flowers, and many names have been published.
Scientific Name
Parodia microsperma (F.A.C.Weber) Speg.
Common Name(s)
Tom Thumb
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus microspermus, Hickenia microsperma
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Parodia
Etymology
The specific epithet "microsperma (pronounced my-kro-SPERM-uh)" means "small-seeded" and refers to the tiny seeds of the species, which are only 0.015 (0.5 mm) in diameter.
Origin
Parodia microsperma is native to northern Argentina and southern Bolivia.
Description
Parodia microsperma is a small cactus with stems that have spirally arranged tubercles into 13 to 21 ribs, each with a cluster of spines at the tip. It usually grows solitary, but it may produce a few offsets at the base as it ages. The stem is spherical when young, later sometimes becoming cylindrical, and can reach a height of 8 inches (20 cm) and a diameter of 4 inches (10 cm). Each areole bears 4 central and 7 to 30 radial spines. The central spines are reddish or brownish, 0.2 to 0.8 inches (0.5 to 2 cm) long, rarely up to 2 inches (5 cm), with the lowermost being the longest and hooked at the apex. The radial spines are white, bristle-like, and can grow up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long.
During the summer, Parodia microsperma produces yellow, orange, or red flowers at the top of the stem. The funnel-shaped flowers can reach a length of 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and a diameter of 2 inches (5 cm). The fruits are nearly spherical with basal dehiscence and contain tiny brown seeds. They can grow up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Parodia microsperma
Light: Parodia microsperma can generally handle direct sun in the morning and afternoon but prefers partial shade during midday. So, place the plant outdoors anywhere it can receive bright, indirect sunlight. When growing indoors, choose a sunny windowsill and rotate the pot every two weeks to encourage balanced growth. However, move it outdoors in the spring, if possible.
Soil: Good drainage is crucial for a healthy plant. Therefore, use commercial soil for cacti or make your own well-draining mix with mineral grit, such as coarse sand, perlite, or pumice.
Hardiness: This cactus thrives in warm, desert-like conditions but will not survive a hard frost. So, if there is a risk of freezing temperatures, it is best to plant it in a container that can be brought indoors. Parodia microsperma grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: During the growing season, water deeply, but allow the soil to dry out to the touch between waterings. When it goes dormant during the winter, the plant needs much less water than usual. Therefore, water sparingly.
Fertilizing: While not necessary, Parodia microsperma will respond well to a low-balanced soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. However, suspend feeding in winter.
Repotting: If you grow this cactus in a container, repot as needed from spring to early summer. However, ensure the soil is dry before you start, and always pot it in a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: Since Parodia microsperma rarely produces offsets, it is usually propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds in spring for the best results.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Parodia.
Toxicity of Parodia microsperma
Parodia microsperma is non-toxic to humans or animals.
Forms of Parodia microsperma
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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