Green Tomato Cactus

Green Tomato Cactus Care

Parodia Arnostiana

What is the plant

P. arnostiana are green to dark green cacti that are 4 to 6 centimetres (1.6 to 2.4 in) in height, and 4 to 8 centimetres in diameter. There are between 21 and 30 spiralling ribs, with round areoles topped with white wool. Each areole has from one to three central spines which are yellowish brown to yellowish red in color. There are between 12 and 16 radial spines, which curve, and are from straw-yellow to brownish-red in color. The central spines (which are between 5 and 20 millimetres (0.20 and 0.79 in) long) can be difficult to differentiate from the radial spines. The species produces sulphur yellow flowers (which are between 7 and 7.5 centimetres (2.8 and 3.0 in) in diameter), green fruit (which are between 1.6 and 1.8 centimetres (0.63 and 0.71 in) in length by 1.2 to 1.4 centimetres (0.47 to 0.55 in) wide) and cap-shaped black seeds.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

2°C - 5°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 11

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Ball cacti are drought tolerant but do like water during their growing season. Provide regular water during the spring and summer months, but only when the soil is dry to the touch, thoroughly soaking the soil through when you do water.
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.
Sunlight
Ball cacti like lots of light—just not too much of it. Don't let that confuse you, though—it's actually simpler than it seems. Essentially they can take direct sunlight in the softer hours of the mornings and afternoons but should be kept in partial shade throughout the hottest hours of the day.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Like many cacti, the ball cactus prefers an airy, dry soil mixture. Drainage is especially important as well, so if you're opting for a store-bought blend (cacti or succulent-specific mix is your best bet)
Temperature
True to their nature, ball cacti prefer warm, desert-like conditions. That being said, they can survive in below-freezing temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, though it's not recommended that they're kept that cold for very long at all.
Container
Repot your ball cactus as needed, preferably during the warm season. Make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the cactus and surrounding soil from the pot.