Scientific Name
Parodia schumanniana (Nicolai) F.H. Brandt
Synonym(s)
Parodia schumanniana subsp. schumanniana, Parodia warasii, Echinocactus buchheimianus, Malacocarpus grossei, Malacocarpus schumannianus, Notocactus grossei f. aureispinus, Notocactus schumannianus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Parodia
Description
Parodia schumanniana is a cactus with globular to columnar stems with 21 to 48 straight sharp well-marked ribs and bristle-like spines. The stems grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. Spines are straight to slightly curved, initially golden yellow, turning to brown or red and gray later. Each areole bears 1 to 4 central spines and usually 4 radial spines. The central spines, sometimes absent, are up to 3 inches (1.2 cm) long. Radial spines are in two pairs and up to 2 inches (0.5 cm) long. Flowers are lemon yellow to golden yellow, up 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter, and appear in summer. Fruits are spherical to oval, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter, and covered with dense wool and bristles.
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'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 in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Parodia.
Origin
This species is native to southern Brazil, southern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina.
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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