Parodia
Botanical name: Parodia
Parodia
Botanical name: Parodia
Description
A genus of flowering cacti, parodia are very diverse in shape, including everything from small ground-hugging balls to meter-tall columns. Despite their vicious spines, many species have been domesticated by cactus fanciers, and can be found for sale for use in rock and cactus gardens and as potted plants.
Species of Parodia
Ball cactus
Ball cactus (Parodia magnifica) is a cactus species native to Brazil. Ball cactus is considered endangered in the wild. Its sparse populations grow in cool, dry temperate grasslands. This species is cultivated for horticultural purposes, and must be grown under glass in cold regions during the winter.
Lemon ball cactus
Lemon ball cactus (Parodia leninghausii) is a cylindrical cactus perennial that will grow to 61 cm tall and 8 to 10 cm wide. It has yellow spines, green stems and large, showy yellow flowers. The common name is because when it is young it is shaped like a ball and covered in yellow spines, making it look like a lemon ball cactus. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant.
Brasilicactus haselbergii
Brasilicactus haselbergii (Parodia haselbergii subsp. graessneri) is a fast-growing perennial cactus. Brasilicactus haselbergii originates in Brazil where it grows on inclines and slopes. This species is often cultivated as an ornamental species and a houseplant.
Green tomato cactus
Green tomato cactus (*Parodia crassigibba*) is a drought-tolerant cactus that is often planted in rock gardens and cultivated as a houseplant. Green tomato cactus is considered critically endangered in the wild. In cultivated situations, this species grows best in well-drained soil. It can tolerate nutrient-poor soils. Green tomato cactus is originally from Brazil.
Silver ball cactus
Silver ball cactus (Parodia scopa) is a flowering cactus native to grasslands of South America. Silver ball cactus is also commonly called the snowball cactus. This species is considered moderately easy to grow as an ornamental houseplant. Silver ball cactus does not tolerate full sunlight as well as some other cactus species, and should be grown in indirect sunlight. Like other cacti, it should never be allowed to sit in standing water.
Parodia carambeiensis
A genus of flowering cacti, parodia carambeiensis are very diverse in shape, including everything from small ground-hugging balls to meter-tall columns. Despite their vicious spines, many species have been domesticated by cactus fanciers, and can be found for sale for use in rock and cactus gardens and as potted plants.
Parodia erinacea
A genus of flowering cacti, parodia erinacea are very diverse in shape, including everything from small ground-hugging balls to meter-tall columns. Despite their vicious spines, many species have been domesticated by cactus fanciers, and can be found for sale for use in rock and cactus gardens and as potted plants.
Care Guide for Parodia
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Parodia 
Botanist in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
