Parodia aureispina, commonly called golden tom thumb or tom thumb, is a globose perennial flowering cactus in the Cactaceae family. Parodia aureispina is native to southern Bolivia and northern Argentina. The plant is cylindrical with yellowish green skin and grows up to 3.5 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall. Parodia aureispina has 13-20 ribs that spiral with small conical tubercles. P. aureispina trubricals are tipped with an areole containing thin bristly white radial spines, and a larger hooked central spine that are yellow which turn more reddish brown with age. Plants produce bright yellow flowers from the apex which are 1.5 inches in diameter starting in early summer. Petals are yellowish orange with creamy yellow anthers. P. aureispina is a fast grower in ideal conditions that form clumps with age. Provide adequate watering during summer and keep dry during winter as it is prone to rot. Parodia aureispina thrives in full sun to partial shade. P. aurespina is most commonly grown as an ornamental plant. USDA hardiness zone of 9b-11a.
Parodia aureispina seeds require consistent moisture and humidity but soil should not be soaking wet. Cloning boxes, ziplock bags, and other containers that retain moisture are ideal to store sown pots. Use well draining sterilized soil. Seeds are extremely small and should be directly sown on top of potting mixture (NOT BURIED). Germinating pots should be kept indoors out of extreme light and heat. Ideal temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F. Germination typically takes 1-4 weeks. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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