Parodia microsperma
| Light | Bright light; a few hours of direct sun with protection from the harshest afternoon summer sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Regularly in the growing season once the soil dries; keep dry and cool in winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining mineral mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; roughly USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Seed (primary); offsets from clustering plants |
| Toxicity | Not known to be toxic to cats or dogs; no specific toxicological data exists for this species |
Parodia microsperma is a small, globular to shortly cylindrical cactus from northwestern Argentina and the type species of the genus Parodia. It is easily recognised by its dense covering of fine white radial spines set against several longer central spines, at least one of which is characteristically hooked, and by its funnel-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange or yellow. Long grown under the name Parodia sanguiniflora, it is one of the more widely cultivated small Parodia species and an easy, free-flowering plant for the collector.
Description
Parodia microsperma typically forms a solitary green body that begins flattened-globular and lengthens with age into a short cylinder, commonly some 5–10 cm across. The body is divided into many low, spiralling ribs broken into small tubercles, each carrying a woolly areole. From these areoles radiate numerous slender, bristly white spines, through which project a handful of stouter central spines — at least one of which is characteristically hooked, a feature that gives the species much of its appeal.
Flowers appear from near the crown, opening in a succession through the warmer months. They are funnel-shaped and variable in colour across the species' range, from red or orange to yellow, and give way to small fruits packed with the very fine seed to which the name microsperma ("small-seeded") refers.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the mountainous northwest of Argentina, including the provinces of Salta and Tucumán and neighbouring areas. It grows on rocky slopes and among grasses at moderate elevations, where it experiences a distinct warm, wetter growing season followed by a cool, dry winter. In habitat plants often nestle among rocks and low vegetation that afford some shelter from the most intense sun.
Cultivation
Parodia microsperma is an accommodating and rewarding plant, more forgiving of water than many desert cacti but still intolerant of standing wet. Grow it in a free-draining, mostly mineral mix in bright light, giving a few hours of direct sun while shading it from the fiercest afternoon summer sun, which can scorch the body.
Water regularly through spring and summer once the soil has dried, tapering off as autumn arrives. Keep the plant dry and cool over winter: this winter rest both prevents rot and encourages the generous spring flowering for which the species is grown. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
Seed is the usual method, and the fine seed germinates readily on a warm, moist mineral surface; see Propagation — seed for a full walkthrough. Some plants cluster with age and produce offsets that can be removed and rooted once they have callused, as described in Propagation — offsets.
Common problems
- Rot — the most common cause of loss, usually from overwatering, a poorly draining mix, or water left standing over winter; the body softens and discolours from the base.
- Failure to flower — often the result of too little light or the lack of a cool, dry winter rest.
- Pests — red spider mites (fine webbing and bronzed skin) and mealybugs (white fluff lodged among the spines and areoles) are the usual offenders; see Pests and diseases.
See also
- Parodia — the genus overview
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — seed · Propagation — offsets · Repotting