Parodia scopa subsp. scopa

RHS Plant Profile
silver ball cactus
silver ball cactus RHS 1999

Other common names

silver ball

Synonyms

Notocactus scopa

Award of Garden Merit
Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse

A cactus with solitary or clustering, globose to cylindrical stems to 50cm tall, with dense fine white or pale brown spines and funnel-shaped bright yellow flowers to 4cm across

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 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
South America, Brazil, Uruguay

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in standard cactus compost in full or bright filtered light. Water moderately from mid-spring to late summer and apply a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser every 6-8 weeks

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

no pruning required

Pests

mealybugs and aphids may appear

Diseases

Generally disease-free