Care of the cactus Parodia werneri or Notocactus uebelmannianus |
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The genus Parodia, family Cactaceae, includes about 50 species of cacti native to South America. Some species are: Parodia werneri, Parodia ottonis, Parodia magnifica, Parodia leninghausii, Parodia haselbergii, Parodia concinna, Parodia nivosa, Parodia mammulosa, Parodia penicillata. Scientific synonyms: Notocactus uebelmannianus, Ritterocactus uebelmannianus. This species is native to Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil. They are small solitary globular cacti of glossy dark green color that reach 12 cm (4.72") in height; sometimes they produce suckers. They have 12-16 rounded ribs with whitish areoles that have 6-10 radial spider-shaped spines; they do not have central spines. The attractive 5 cm (1.96") diameter flowers can be yellow, magenta or red. They bloom from late spring to early summer. Because of their small size they are used in pots as terrace, balcony and window plants and as indoor or greenhouse plants. The Parodia werneri prefers a semi-shadow exposure avoiding direct sun in the central hours of the day. They resist occasional frosts down to -4 ºC (24.8 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti. The transplant is done in early spring. Water regularly in spring and summer, waiting for the substrate to dry. Reduce watering in fall and do not water in winter. Fertilize once in early spring with mineral cactus fertilizer. Pruning is not necessary. They are resistant plants to the habitual plagues and diseases but sensitive to the excess of irrigation. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring and by separation of suckers if the mother plant produces them. |
Images of the cactus Parodia werneri or Notocactus uebelmannianus |
 Parodia werneri |