About
A small, roughly spherical, ribbed cactus with yellow or brown spines and a woolly crown. Funnel-shaped yellow flowers are produced from the crown in spring.
About the genus
Parodia are cacti with either solitary or clustered, many-ribbed, globose, spiny stems, with funnel-shaped flowers near the apex
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toS. Brazil, Uruguay
ToxicityHandle with care due to prickly spines. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grown in cactus compost in full or bright filtered light. From mid-spring to late summer, water moderately and apply a low nitrogen fertiliser every two months. Keep almost dry at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 20°C in spring or summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free