Parodia cardenasii, also referred to as Parodia formosa and Parodia bellavistana, is a short globose perennial flowering cactus belonging to the Cactaceae family. The plant is native to South America, ranging from Bolivia to Argentina. The cactus grows no more than 4.7 inches in diameter with 13-21 ribs and spiraling tubercles with white areoles covered with short 0.5 inch white spines with reddish brown tips. Some wool forms at the apex with new growth. Parodia cardenasii produce flowers near the apex of the plant that are sulfur yellow to orange, rarely getting bigger than 2 inches in diameter. Bloom occurs during spring and summer which yield small 0.3 inch diameter fruit that bear small brown glossy seeds. Parodia cardenasii is a fast grower in ideal conditions that form clumps with age. Provide adequate watering during summer and keep dry during winter as this plant is prone to rot. Full sun or partial shade are ideal light conditions for P. cardenasii. This is an ornamental cactus that is grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b-10a.
Parodia cardenasii 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. Keep seeds well ventilated to prevent fungal growth. Use a well draining sterilized soil mix. 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. Keep sown seeds between 75°F and 85°F for best results. Germination typically takes 1-2 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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