Silver Ball Cactus

Silver Ball Cactus Care

Parodia Scopa

What is the plant

Parodia scopa (syn. Notocactus scopa), the silver ball cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the cactus family Cactaceae, native to upland southern Brazil and Uruguay. It is a ball- or cylinder-shaped cactus growing to 5–50 cm (2–20 in) tall by 10 cm (4 in) broad, with a spiny, woolly crown and pale yellow flowers in summer.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

10°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

9b - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
However, it is key to remember that Parodias do not like direct sunlight and are accustomed to more even water than many other cacti species. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. To encourage better flowering, allow the plants to enjoy a cooling period in the winter and dramatically cut back watering. Unlike other cacti species, however, you don't need to stop watering entirely. Lastly, make sure to fertilize during the growing season for the best results.
Fertilizer
Lastly, make sure to fertilize during the growing season for the best results. Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot Parodia, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot.
Sunlight
Provide bright light

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Soil
However, making your own cactus soil mix is also an option and it is easy to do! Mix together three parts potting soil, three parts coarse sand or gravel, and two parts perlite or pumice. Don't use a potting soil mix that contains fertilizers because the fertilizer can burn cacti roots and cause leggy growth
Temperature
Hardy to 32°F.
Container
Succulents and cacti thrive in well draining, porous soils. Gravel or expanded shale can be added to the bottom of the container to help increase drainage. Never let the container sit in a saucer of water. If your container does not have a drainage hole, you will need to water less.