Parodia leninghausii aka Lemon Ball Cactus

Parodia leninghausii is a columnar cactus that grows slowly over many years. In the wild, mature specimens typically reach about 60cm (24 inches) tall and 10cm (4 inches) in diameter, though some can eventually grow taller with age. Young plants start as small, globose (ball-shaped) cacti and gradually elongate into their characteristic columnar form. Using small pots helps maintain a more compact size, making it ideal as a windowsill plant.

Parodia leninghausii thrives in average room temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F) during the growing season. It can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter, down to about -1°C (30°F) briefly, but should be protected from hard frost. In freezing climates, bring the cactus indoors to a sunny windowsill. A cool winter rest period around 10-15°C (50-60°F) can actually encourage flowering.

During spring and summer (the active growing season), water your Parodia leninghausii more frequently when the soil dries out completely, and apply a diluted cactus fertilizer monthly. In autumn and winter, reduce watering significantly as the plant enters dormancy - water only enough to prevent shriveling, typically once a month or less. A cooler winter rest period (around 10-15°C) with reduced watering helps promote flowering the following summer.

Yes, mature Parodia leninghausii produces beautiful large, lemon-yellow, bowl-shaped flowers that emerge from the crown (top) of the cactus. Flowering typically occurs in summer once the plant is several years old. The bright yellow blooms contrast beautifully against the golden spines. To encourage flowering, provide a cool, dry winter rest period followed by regular watering and bright light during the growing season.

Parodia leninghausii can be propagated by seeds or offsets (pups). Mature plants sometimes produce offsets at the base, which can be carefully removed with a clean knife, allowed to callus for a few days, and then planted in dry cactus mix. Seeds can be sown on moist cactus soil, covered lightly, and kept warm (20-25°C) until germination. Seed-grown plants are slow to develop but eventually become more robust.

Repot Parodia leninghausii every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. The best time to repot is in spring at the start of the growing season. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one - small pots help maintain a compact shape and prevent overwatering issues. Use a well-draining cactus mix with 70-80% mineral grit. Allow the roots to dry for a few days after repotting before resuming watering.

Parodia leninghausii can grow outdoors year-round only in frost-free climates (USDA zones 10-11). It tolerates temperatures down to about -1°C (30°F) briefly but will not survive hard frost. In colder regions, it makes an excellent container plant that can be moved outdoors in summer and brought inside for winter. When growing outdoors, provide bright light with some protection from intense afternoon sun and ensure excellent drainage.

Parodia leninghausii is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by mealybugs and scale insects, which appear as white cottony masses or brown bumps on the stem. Treat infestations by dabbing with rubbing alcohol or using insecticidal soap. The most common problem is root rot from overwatering, which causes the base to become soft and discolored. Prevent rot by using well-draining soil and allowing it to dry completely between waterings.