Notocactus Schlosseri (Parodia Erubescens) Cactus Plant

Notocactus Schlosseri (Parodia erubescens) Cactus Plant Care Guide

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Botanical Name: Parodia erubescens (formerly Notocactus schlosseri)

Common Name: Notocactus Schlosseri, Ball Cactus

Family: Cactaceae

Plant Type: Slow-growing ornamental cactus

Plant Description

Parodia erubescens is a small, globular cactus with deep green ribs covered in fine golden-yellow spines. Mature plants produce beautiful bright yellow flowers from the crown during spring and summer. It is an excellent choice for windowsills, balconies, succulent gardens, and indoor collections.

Pot Requirements

• Use a 4–6 inch terracotta or plastic pot with drainage holes.
• Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot.

Potting Mix

Use a well-draining cactus mix:

• 40% coarse river sand
• 30% perlite or pumice
• 20% cocopeat
• 10% compost or vermicompost

Avoid heavy garden soil.

Sunlight

• Prefers 4–6 hours of bright morning sunlight.
• Can tolerate full sun in winter.
• Protect from harsh afternoon sun during peak summer.

Watering

• Water only when the soil is completely dry.
• Summer: every 7–10 days.
• Monsoon: water only if the soil has dried completely.
• Winter: every 15–20 days.

Never allow water to stand in the pot tray.

Temperature

• Ideal range: 18–32°C
• Protect from frost and temperatures below 5°C.

Fertilizer

• Feed once every 30–45 days during spring and summer.
• Use a diluted cactus fertilizer or balanced NPK 19:19:19 at half strength.
• Do not fertilize during winter dormancy.

Flowering

• Blooms mainly in spring and summer.
• Bright yellow flowers appear around the top of mature plants.
• Good sunlight and a cool, dry winter encourage flowering.

Propagation

• By seeds (most common).
• Some mature plants may produce offsets, which can be separated and replanted.