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Description
Parodia Haselbergii Subsp. Graessneri, commonly known as Haselberg’s ball cactus, is a species of cactus that belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is native to Brazil and grows in rocky terrain at elevations of up to 1000 meters. This cactus has a globular shape, and it can grow up to 10 cm in diameter and 15 cm in height. Its stem is green, and it has several prominent ribs with sharp spines that are about 1 cm long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Parodia |
| Species | Haselbergii Subsp. Graessneri |
Appearance
Haselberg’s ball cactus has a globular shape, and it can grow up to 10 cm in diameter and 15 cm in height. Its stem is green, and it has several prominent ribs with sharp spines that are about 1 cm long. The spines are arranged in a circular pattern around the top of the cactus. This cactus also produces bright yellow flowers that are about 4 cm in diameter. The flowers bloom in the summer and are followed by small red fruits.
Care Guide
- Water: Water the cactus deeply once every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every month during the dormant season (fall and winter).
- Fertilization: Fertilize the cactus every month during the growing season with a cactus-specific fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the cactus in well-draining soil that is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents.
- Sunlight: Place the cactus in a sunny location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Haselberg’s ball cactus is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Haselberg’s ball cactus is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. It may also suffer from root rot if it is overwatered. To prevent pests and diseases, make sure the cactus is placed in a well-ventilated area and is not overcrowded. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat the problem immediately with a cactus-specific insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Haselberg’s ball cactus is native to Brazil and grows in rocky terrain at elevations of up to 1000 meters. It prefers well-draining soil and a sunny location.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Haselberg’s ball cactus?
A: Water the cactus deeply once every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every month during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Q: What should I do if my Haselberg’s ball cactus is infested with mealybugs?
A: Treat the cactus immediately with a cactus-specific insecticide, and isolate it from other plants to prevent the mealybugs from spreading.
Q: Can I grow Haselberg’s ball cactus indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow this cactus indoors as long as it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and is placed in a well-ventilated area.
Q: Is Haselberg’s ball cactus toxic to pets?
A: This cactus is not known to be toxic to pets, but the spines can cause injury if ingested or stepped on.
Related Plants
- Parodia Magnifica
- Parodia Microsperma
- Parodia Rutilans
- Parodia Scopa
References
- CactiGuide.com. (n.d.). Parodia haselbergii subs. graessneri. Retrieved from https://cactiguide.com/cactus/?genus=Parodia&species=haselbergii&sSub=graessneri
- Desert Tropicals. (n.d.). Parodia haselbergii subs. graessneri. Retrieved from http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Parodia_haselbergii_graess.html
- Wikipedia. (2021). Parodia haselbergii. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parodia_haselbergii
