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Conservatory GreenhouseCactus Succulent

Parodia magnifica

magnificent ball cactus

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

Synonyms
Notocactus magnificus

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Yellow
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
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

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