Care of the cactus Pediocactus simpsonii or Mountain Ball Cactus |
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The genus Pediocactus, family Cactaceae, comprises 10 species of cactus native to the USA. Some species are: Pediocactus simpsonii, Pediocactus peeblesianus, Pediocactus bradyi, Pediocactus sileri, Pediocactus knowltonii. Common names: Simpson’s Footcactus, Mountain Ball Cactus, Snowball Pediocactus. Scientific synonyms: Mammillaria simpsonii, Echinocactus simpsonii. This species is native to the western United States. They are cacti with a solitary globose body with 12 spirally arranged tuberculate ribs that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. In the woolly areolas they have 15-25 white radial spines and 5-10 longer brown central spines. The beautiful flowers are 2.5 cm (0.98") in diameter and are pink and purple. Mountain Ball Cactus is used in pots for balconies and terraces, as houseplants next to a window, in rockeries and in cactus and succulent gardens. Pediocactus simpsonii needs full sun exposure or a well-lit and well-ventilated indoor display. It resists occasional frosts if the substrate is dry. The soil should be well drained and slightly rocky: add 20% coarse gravel to a commercial cactus substrate. Always water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. In winter do not water. Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents. Snowball Pediocactus does not need pruning. If there is not excess humidity, Pediocactus simpsonii does not usually present serious pest and disease problems. Mountain Ball Cactus is propagated from seeds sown in spring; it's a simple process. |
Images of the cactus Pediocactus simpsonii or Mountain Ball Cactus |
 Pediocactus simpsonii ssp robustior |