Care of the cactus Parodia penicillata or Notocactus penicillatus |
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The genus Parodia, family Cactaceae, comprises 50 species of cactus native to South America. Some species are: Parodia penicillata, Parodia ottonis, Parodia magnifica, Parodia leninghausii, Parodia haselbergii, Parodia concinna, Parodia werneri, Parodia nivosa, Parodia mammulosa. Scientific synonyms: Notocactus penicillatus. This species is native to Argentina. They are cacti with a solitary cylindrical body of light green color that reach 70 cm (27.5") in height in their natural habitat. They have 17 tubercle spiral ribs that have yellowish woolly areoles with abundant fine brush-like spines. Showy red flowers 4 cm (1.57") in diameter appear at the apex of the cactus. They bloom in spring. They are used in pots and planters, in rockeries and in cactus gardens in frost-free regions. The Parodia penicillata prefers full sun exposure and a dry climate. In winter the temperature should be above 2 ºC (35.6 ºF). The soil can be a mixture, in the same proportions, of coarse siliceous sand and leaf mulch or a commercial substrate for cacti. In summer water every 5-6 days, in spring water every 12-15 days, in autumn once a month and do not water in winter. Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti. Pruning is not necessary. They are resistant to pests but sensitive to excess watering. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring in the nursery; germination is slow. |
Images of the cactus Parodia penicillata or Notocactus penicillatus |
 Parodia penicillata  Parodia penicillata  Parodia penicillata |