Parodia mammulosa subsp. mammulosa
Tom thumb cactus
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
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical 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
Get involved
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