Scientific Name
Parodia scopa (Spreng.) N.P. Taylor
Synonym(s)
Cactus scopa, Echinocactus scopa, Echinopsis scopa, Malacocarpus scopa, Notocactus scopa, Peronocactus scopa
Common Name(s)
Silver Ball Cactus, Snowball Cactus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Parodia
Etymology
The specific epithet "scopa" (pronounced "SKOH-puh") means "broom" and refers to the dense covering of long spines on the stems of this species, which gives them a broom-like appearance.
Origin
Parodia scopa is native to southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul) and Uruguay.
Description
Parodia scopa, formerly known as Notocactus scopa, is a beautiful cactus with spherical to cylindrical stems that have 25 to 40 tuberculate ribs lined with white, woolly areoles that bear clusters of white and red-brown spines. The stems can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 2 to 12, usually 4, needle-like central spines, measuring up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) long, and numerous bristle-like radial spines measuring up to 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) long.
The flowers are yellow with a red or wine-colored stigma and appear at the stem tips in spring. They can reach 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length and 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are spherical, pale brown, and contain numerous black seeds. They can grow up to 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Parodia scopa
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 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 is key to remember that Parodia do not 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 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 the winter and dramatically cut back watering. Unlike other cacti species, however, you don't need to stop watering entirely. Lastly, make sure to fertilize during the growing season for the best results.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot Parodia, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot.
Learn 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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