Golden Ball Cactus Parodia leninghausii

Water

Golden Barrel Cactus should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the active growing season, typically from spring to fall, this may mean watering every one to two weeks with approximately 10-12 ounces of water, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions. In winter, reduce watering to once a month or less, as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture. Always make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering can be as harmful as under-watering for this cactus, so err on the side of caution and check the soil moisture before watering.

Light

Golden Barrel Cactus thrives best in bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day. It prefers a south-facing window where it can bask in full sun exposure, as this mimics its natural desert habitat. If placed outdoors, ensure it receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. Avoid low light conditions as they can lead to etiolation, where the cactus becomes stretched and weak.

Temperature

Golden Barrel Cactus ideally enjoys temperatures between 70°F and 100°F, which are common in its natural desert habitat. It can survive brief periods of colder weather, down to about 50°F, but temperatures below this can cause damage to the plant. Avoid exposure to frost and ensure the cactus is kept in a warm environment during the winter months.

Pruning

Pruning is not generally required for Golden Barrel Cactus. Pruning may be necessary to remove any dead spines or damaged tissue to maintain its appearance. If pruning is needed, it should be done carefully with clean, sharp tools to avoid injury to the plant. Any significant pruning should be done during the growing season when the cactus can recover more efficiently.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Golden Ball Cactus thrives in a well-draining soil mix, consisting of a combination of peat or coco coir, perlite, and coarse sand. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5 to ensure optimal growth.

Repotting

Golden Ball Cacti should be repotted every two to three years to provide fresh soil and accommodate root growth, best done during the spring or summer months.

Humidity & Misting

Golden Ball Cactus prefers low to moderate humidity levels, typical of indoor environments, without the need for specialized humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect sunlight and keep in a warm spot.

• Outdoor

  Needs full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Parodia leninghausii, commonly known as Yellow Tower cactus, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, under suitable conditions of warmth and moisture, will germinate and develop into a tiny seedling — a process that can take two weeks to several months. As the seedling grows, it develops spines and characteristic yellow color, entering a juvenile phase that lasts for several years until it reaches maturity. During the maturation phase, the cactus elongates and produces more ribs and spines, growing slowly and can reach up to 3 feet tall. Once mature, the Yellow Tower cactus blooms in the spring or summer, producing yellow flowers at the crown, usually when the cactus is about 30 cm tall, indicating that it has reached reproductive age. After pollination, which can be facilitated by insects or human assistance, the flowers develop into fruit that contains seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. The cactus can live for many decades, with individual plants often reaching ages of over 30 years in cultivation.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The Golden Ball Cactus, Parodia leninghausii, is commonly propagated through seeds. The best time to sow seeds is in spring when the temperatures are consistently warm, which is crucial for germination. To propagate, fill a shallow tray or pot with a well-draining cactus mix and sprinkle the tiny seeds over the soil. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand or fine grit, and mist the surface to moisten it without causing the seeds to float away. Cover the container with transparent plastic or glass to maintain high humidity and place it in a bright, warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings should appear in a few weeks to a few months, depending on the temperature and conditions. Once they are large enough to handle, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots.