Today we are going to talk about a type of perennial succulent plant that belongs to the cactus group. Its scientific name is Parody leninghausii and it is known by the common name of golden ball. It is a cactus that is found naturally in Brazil in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Other better known names are lemon ball, yellow tower, and notocactus. It is widely used for the decoration of public spaces and private gardens since its care is easy.
In this article we are going to tell you all the characteristics, cultivation and care of the Parody leninghausii.
Key features
It is a type of cactus that can reach a height of more or less between 60 centimeters and one meter in normal growing conditions. It is known by the name of yellow tower since it takes on a shrubby shape and has grouped stems, erect and with a cylindrical shape. These stems can be branched to increase their overall size. Has about 30 deep longitudinal ribs. Although its color is green, it can be seen that as a whole it took on a yellowish green color given the abundant yellow to long and soft spines that it has. That is why it turns yellow when viewed from afar.
The thickness of this plant is around 10 centimeters. Its spines are grouped forming areoles that will be distributed throughout the plant. In each areola we have between 4-5 central spines and another 20 radical spines. What stands out about this type of cactus is that its spines are long, linked and are between 2-10 centimeters in length. Being so long, they become softer in texture and do not puncture as much when touched.
The flowers of the Parody leninghausii they have a deep yellow color and are short and wide. They have a number of leading petals and a highly branched stigma. It has abundant yellow stamens and its fruits do not have thorns.
Uses of Parody leninghausii
It is widely used as an ornamental plant all over the world given the beauty of its stems and its very showy flowering. The commercial value that it has has grown to such an extent that it has led to its cultivation in many countries. In some areas It is grown mainly in pots for the decoration of xero-gardens or as a collection plant.
Flowers are a great element to increase its ornamental value. Said flowers they only appear in those stems that have reached more than half a meter in height and has a diameter of approximately 5 centimeters. Those flowers that are located in the center of the plant have a large number of stamens with yellow anthers and a multilobed stigma. The fruits are of the globose type and contain numerous seeds of a dark brown color and serve to expand in the territory.
Regarding reproduction, the Parody leninghausii it can be reproduced mainly by cutting. Before planting the cutting you must wait a few days for the wound heals and you can avoid its rotting. No type of medicinal property is yet known and its care is minor.
In the field of gardening it is used as a decorative plant due to its shapes, thorns and flowering. It is recommended to place Isolated form to attract more attention or in rockery. Some other species are those that can generate some type of contrast of colors and shapes. Many people choose to pot them on some larger balconies or terraces. Keep in mind that both the terraces and the rockeries where we place the Parody leninghausii They should not be exposed too much to the midday sun. We are now going to see their care to know the reason for it.
Caring for the Parody leninghausii
Keep in mind that, despite being a cactus, prefers an exposure to semi-shade. And it is a cactus that avoids direct sunlight during the central hours of the day. The intense sun, especially in the warmer season, can lead to serious health problems. It also does not like cold or frost, so it is recommended that temperatures do not drop below 7 degrees. If the climate where you are usually has winter frosts, it is better to protect the plant during the coldest moments.
As for the soil, as is to be expected with all types of cacti, it needs to have good drainage so that irrigation or rain water is not stored. You can use a mixture in equal parts peat moss, coarse siliceous sand, and badly decomposed hammer-leaf. This combination will provide the necessary nutrients for its proper development and growth. Although it is a conventional type of cactus, you have to be more careful since it does not have the same characteristics. If we want to avoid plant rot, it is essential that the soil does not accumulate water.
If we want to transplant a pot to the ground or vice versa, it is convenient to wait for spring so that it can be more successful. In the summer time you will need a little more water and other cacti, but always it is better to wait for the soil to dry out before watering again. In winter they enter a state of rest, so they do not need to be watered.
The advantage of this type of cactus is that They do not require fertilizer or pruning. This makes it a perfect plant for easy growing with a decorative purpose.
Plagues and diseases
As for pests and diseases, you have to be careful if the summer is too hot. They can be attacked by aphids and cottony mealybugs when summers are hottest. You also have to be careful with excess watering. With humidity it can rot quickly.
They can be propagated not only by cuttings, but also from the suckers that the plant itself produces. The time for this is in summer and it should always be sown in semi shade. If you want to sow by seed, you must wait for spring.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the Parody leninghausii and their characteristics.