TheParodia magnificagenus includes a multitude of showy and easy-to-grow small ballcacti.
Ball cacti are moderate growers, adding about four inches to their height each year.
However, the cactus mustn’t be exposed to prolonged dampness or sitting water.
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Lastly, ensure to fertilize during the growing season for the best results.
Light
Ball cacti like lots of lightjust nottoomuch of it.
Don’t let that confuse you, thoughit’s simpler than it seems.
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Soil
Like many cacti, the ball cactus prefers a mix of airy, dry soil.
Overall, the soil’s pH level isn’t important to the ball cactus.
However, it thrives best in a slightly acidic mixture with a pH between 6.1 and 6.5.
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Water
Ball cacti are drought tolerant but they do like water during their growing season.
Temperature and Humidity
True to their nature, ball cacti prefer warm, desert-like conditions.
Therefore, it is unnecessary to spritz them or increase the humidity in their environment.
Fertilizer
Though not necessary, the ball cactus will respond well to fertilizer.
During the growing season fertilize with a cacti fertilizer mix and suspend feeding during the dormant winter period.
Types of Ball Cactus
Parodia magnifica is one of many types of ball cacti.
Do not repot in the winter because the cold temperatures, even indoors, can shock the roots.
Always place the plant in a pot with a drainage hole.
Treat any cuts with a fungicide.
Place the plant in its new pot and backfill withpotting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot.
Mealybugs may appear any time of the year.
Aphids and whiteflies will crawl on the plant in the spring and summer.
To eliminate both, spray the cactus with a mix of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water.
Common Problems With Ball Cactus
The ball cactus is quite a forgiving plant.
But it can face a couple of challenges in its environment.
It’s best to repot the cactus in fresh medium and cut away damaged roots if possible.
verify that no moisture touches the area so that the spot can heal and stay completely dry.
It could take about three years for a cactus to begin producing flowers.
According toThe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species,Parodia magnificais still listed as endangered.
However, that may mean that growers are pushing to increase the numbers of this cactus.
The good news: you might still find and buy this cactus without a problem.
The ball cactus should only be planted in the ground in USDA zones 9 through 12.
Yes, all three names refer toParodia magnifica.
The ball cactus was once referred to by other scientific names but the plant’s botanical nomenclature shifted.
This cactus can turn a bit oval, barrel-shaped, or tubular as it gets older.
It depends on the plant.
