Parodia magnifica

RHS Plant Profile
magnificent ball cactus

Synonyms

Notocactus magnificus

Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse Cactus Succulent

A cactus with usually solitary, globose to cylindrical stems to 15cm tall, bearing bristly yellow spines and funnel-shaped sulphur-yellow flowers to 5cm across in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Parodia are cacti with either solitary or clustered, many-ribbed, globose, spiny stems, with funnel-shaped flowers near the apex
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Brazil, Uruguay

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in a standard cactus compost in full or bright filtered light. From mid-spring to late summer, water moderately and apply a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser every 6-8 weeks. Keep barely moist at other times

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 19-24°C (66-75 °F) in spring and summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Vulnerable to mealybugs and, while flowering, aphids

Diseases

Relatively disease resistant