Parodia warasii

Parodia warasii is part of the Cactaceae family and its native range is Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). This species grows in rock crevices on walls in mixed Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle) forest and deciduous forest. Growing on rock walls provides some protection but subpopulations are declining due to landslides and climbers disturbing the plants. 

It is a short columnar cactus, usually solitary but will cluster in time, glossy, dark green and has slightly humped ribs. Parodia warasii produce large yellow flowers around the crown in summer time. 

Genus name honours Italian botanist Domingo Parodi. Specific epithet honours Sao Paulo plant collector Eddie Waras. 

Pot: ø 12cm.

Height: Approximately 12cm.

Light: Allow the plant to see the sun for as many hours of the day as possible; the plant ought to be able to see sun from where it is positioned in the home. A south or west facing window is ideal.

Water: Allow the potting mix to dry out completely in between waterings; Parodia prefer to stay on the dry side. During the winter water very infrequently, if at all, this will encourage flowering during the spring!

Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of perlite, grit and horticultural sand and a small amount of coco coir. Amending cactus mix with additional sand or fine pumice (up to 50%) will improve grittiness and drainage.

Fertilising: Feed once or twice during growing season; Parodia are not particularly heavy feeders. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.

Temperature: Temperatures over 21˚C during spring and summer. Between 10-15˚C in winter.

Humidity: Low humidity; if the humidity is particularly high, good ventilation is key to prevent mildew and fungal disease.

Parodia warasii are non-toxic.