Parodia scopa (Silver Ball Cactus)

Parodia scopa, commonly known as the Silver Ball Cactus or Snowball Cactus, is a delightful and easy-to-care-for cactus, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts in cactus cultivation. Its striking appearance, coupled with its low maintenance needs, makes it a popular addition to various garden styles and indoor collections.

Parodia scopa: An In-depth Look

Parodia scopa is an intriguing and ornamental plant. It is a small, globular to cylindrical cactus, notable for its dense covering of white or silvery spines that give it a shimmering appearance. It’s popular in cacti collections for its symmetrical form and decorative spines.

Native: Native to Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, it thrives in rocky grasslands and on hillsides, adapted to a subtropical climate.

Plant Type and Habit: This cactus is a slow-growing, solitary plant, typically forming a single spherical or columnar stem. It does not branch but may cluster with age.

Size: Parodia scopa typically reaches about 6-18 inches in height (15-45 cm) and 3-4 inches in diameter (7-10 cm), growing slowly over the years.

Flowers: It produces attractive, bright yellow flowers at the crown of the plant. The flowers are funnel-shaped and contrast beautifully with the spiny body. The flowering season is usually in early to mid-summer. After flowering, it produces small, elongated fruits that are initially green, turning red when ripe.

Stem: Parodia scopa features a stem almost concealed by soft, brush-like bristles. The stem, dark green and initially globular, become columnar with age, reaching up to 18 inches (45 cm). It has 25-30 low, obtuse ribs with spiraling, woolly areoles. Central spines, 4-12 in number, are needle-like and vary in color, while the radial spines are shorter, fine, and glassy white or yellowish, spreading around.

Uses: Mostly grown as an ornamental plant, it’s popular in rock gardens, desert landscaping, and as a houseplant in containers.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Hardiness: It’s hardy in USDA zones 9-11. This cactus requires protection from frost and extreme cold.

Toxicity: Parodia scopa is not known to be toxic, but its spines can be sharp and should be handled with care.

Deer and Rabbit: It is resistant to deer and rabbits due to its spiny nature.

Drought: Highly drought-tolerant, it requires minimal water, making it ideal for xeriscaping.

Invasiveness: Not considered invasive; it’s a slow-growing, contained plant suitable for pot culture or controlled garden conditions.

Benefits: It’s a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant, adding aesthetic value with its unique appearance and bright flowers.

Parodia Growing Tips

Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Bright light enhances spine color and flowering but avoid intense midday sun.

Soil: Requires well-draining, sandy or cactus potting mix. Good aeration is crucial to avoid root rot.

Water: Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to minimal, as the cactus enters dormancy.

Fertilizer: Fertilize with a diluted cactus fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Pruning: Generally requires no pruning. Remove dead or damaged spines or sections to maintain appearance.

Propagation: Propagate by seeds or offsets. Allow seedlings or offsets to establish in well-draining soil.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for pests like mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. Susceptible to fungal diseases in overly moist conditions.