Contents
Description
Cumulopuntia Sphaerica, also known as the ball cactus, is a unique cactus species native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is characterized by its spherical shape and small size of about 5-10 cm in diameter.The ball cactus has a distinct growth pattern where new spherical segments grow on top of the old ones, creating a stack-like structure. Its spines are short and white, and its flowers are small and yellow.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus||————|———-|———–|———–|———–|———–|—————-|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Tracheophyta | Magnoliopsida | Caryophyllales | Cactaceae | Cumulopuntia |
Appearance
The ball cactus is a small, spherical cactus that grows in stacked segments. It has short, white spines that grow from the top of each segment. Its flowers are small and yellow, blooming in the summer months. The ball cactus can grow up to 10 cm in diameter and is a popular choice for indoor decoration due to its unique shape.
Care Guide
To care for the ball cactus, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, and sunlight.- Water: The ball cactus is a desert plant and can survive long periods without water. It is best to water it once every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the winter months.- Fertilizer: Fertilize the ball cactus once a month during the growing season with a cactus-specific fertilizer.- Soil: The ball cactus prefers well-draining soil and can thrive in a mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss.- Sunlight: The ball cactus needs full sunlight to grow properly. Place it near a sunny window or outside in a sunny spot.The ball cactus is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The ball cactus is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, overwatering can cause root rot, while under-watering can lead to shriveling. Pests such as mealybugs and spider mites can also infest the ball cactus. To prevent these issues, it is important to maintain proper care and inspect the plant regularly.
Habitat
The ball cactus is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico, where it grows in rocky and gravelly soils in dry, hot climates. It is also found in parts of Texas and New Mexico.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the ball cactus grow outdoors?
A: Yes, the ball cactus can grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.Q: How often should I water my ball cactus?
A: Water your ball cactus once every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the winter months.Q: Can the ball cactus survive in low light conditions?
A: No, the ball cactus needs full sunlight to grow properly.Q: How tall can the ball cactus grow?
A: The ball cactus can grow up to 10 cm in diameter.
Related Plants
– Cumulopuntia fulvicoma- Cumulopuntia boliviana- Cumulopuntia crassimontana- Cumulopuntia echinocarpa- Cumulopuntia ignescens
References
– “Cumulopuntia sphaerica (Engelm.) F.M. Knuth.” Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed August 3, 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:54096-2.- “How to Grow and Care for Ball Cactus.” Gardening Know How. Accessed August 3, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/ball-cactus/growing-ball-cactus.htm.
