Notocactus/ Parodia Cacti

Notocactus/ Parodia Cacti

Most of favorite cactus have the origin in Africa, middle USA and Mexico but today, I’d like to introduce the cactus from South Africa: Parodia magnifica

Like other cacti, species of Parodia magnifica have developed means of reducing water loss. They have a thick waterproof cuticle that keeps water in and tries to keep pests and diseases out. Cacti have also recessed their stomata in deep pits over their bodies.

Scientific name:  Parodia magnifica

Synonyms: Eriocactus magnificus, Notocactus magnificus

Origin: Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina

Habitat: The habitat where this plant come from can become very cold during the winter nights, often it will fall to just above freezing without harming the plants as it is also very dry.

Soil: Parodia/ Notocactus are found mostly on "islands" of low rocky hills found in grasslands and forests, growing between cracks in the rocks or in the shade of larger growing plants. The soil there is well drained and has a fairly high organic content, derived from the decomposition of other plants. 

So the proper soil for Parodia/Notocactus should be well-drained and have high organic content. 

Temperature: The habitat where Parodia/Notocactus come from can become very cold during the winter nights; often it will fall to just above freezing without harming the plants as it is also very dry. When growing at home it is best to avoid any frost as you may loose the plant but during the winter the temperature can be as low as 2C without any harm so long as the compost is very dry.

Watering: The plants in the cold country should be kept almost completely dry during the winter months, only water them to prevent the roots from completely drying out, once a month should be fine. From March onwards the plant will begin to grow and watering should be increased gradually until late May when the plant should be in full growth.

But I am in Thailand, warm location; I also water my cacti every 2-4 days upon the sun exposure and season.

Lighting: Grow most species of Notocactus in full sun during the summer and winter avoiding only the harshest summer sun. 

During the summer it is best to keep the plants outside. Keeping the plants in full sun will make them look healthier and will result in stronger and more colorful spination. If kept too dark they may become overly lush and could be prone to rotting due to over watering, they will also be shy to produce flowers.

As the sunshine here (Thailand) is severe, especially in summer, my greenhouse also has the shading net to reduce the sunlight and protect the plants to be burn.