Parodia mammulosa subsp. mammulosa

RHS Plant Profile
Tom thumb cactus

Other common names

ball cactus

Synonyms

Notocactus mammulosus

Award of Garden Merit
Cactus Succulent Houseplants

A spherical cactus to 13cm tall, with a dark green stem and 13-21 warty ribs. Up to 25 white or pale brown radial spines arise from each areole, along with 2-4 longer central spines. Funnel-shaped yellow flowers to 5cm long are produced in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or 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
Columnar upright
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
S America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in cactus compost in full light. From spring to summer water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep dry at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 19-24°C in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free