The Noto cactus or Parodia scientifically known as ball cactus, is a flowering cactus species. Native to southwestern North America, this remarkable cactus thrives in dry and desert-like environments. Moreover, it is an easy-to-grow houseplant. This cactus may remain the same as a miniature plant and it lives long for sure. It also boasts impressive ball-like growth and brushy spines. Noto cacti possess a dense covering of sharp spines in its ribs. The spines are typically golden or reddish-brown, white, and sometimes silver.
Noto cactus reflects a striking visionary of flowers. Typically blooming during the spring and early summer months, this cactus species produces magnificent funnel-shaped flowers on the cactus’s top. The flower colours of noto cactus range from yellow or orange colour. The noto cactus flowering time comes after maturing and the height of the different mature noto specimens varies from 6 to 12 inches. Its stems are ribbed with distinct, deep grooves. It can be either presented in clustered form or have a solitary form with a shallow and widespread root system. This type of cactus is best fitted in a rock garden, container, or desert landscape that brings this species an element of resilience to its surroundings.
| Species Name | Common Name |
| Noto Cactus | Parodia cactus, Silver ball, Golden ball, Lemon ball. |
Famous varieties of Noto Cactus:
Silver Ball Cactus (Parodia scopa)
The Silver Ball Cactus or Parodia scopa is a stunning cactus variety renowned for its unique silver-white spines. Native to Brazil, this cactus has a globular or cylindrical shape. During the summer, the Silver Ball Cactus produces bright yellow flowers at the top of the crown.
Parodia Magnificus
Parodia Magnificus is a Brazilian spherical cactus with a vibrant appearance. Its bluish-green body has numerous ribbed stems and slightly yellow spines. During the spring and summer, it blooms with beautiful yellow flowers.
Golden Ball Cactus (Parodia leninghausii)
The Golden Ball Cactus is scientifically referred to as the Parodia Leninghausii. It has a globular to columnar body with golden spines. Originating from South America, this cactus produces vibrant yellow flowers in summer.
Noto white cactus
The Noto white cactus is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for cactus that is perfect for beginners. It has a bluish-green globe-shaped body with golden-yellow spines. It produces yellow flowers in the spring and summer. The Noto white cactus is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 12 inches in height. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in full sun or partial shade.
Caring guide for Noto cactus
Temperature
As Noto Cactus is a sun-loving succulent, it loves ample light and warmth. Whether you’re growing it indoors or outdoors, understanding its temperature is important. During the spring and summer, Noto Cactus craves full sun exposure and heat. It flourishes in warmer places of high temperature, but it’s essential to protect it from freezing temperatures in colder regions.
Indoor cultivation is an excellent option for Noto Cactus, as it allows for more stable temperature conditions. Place your cactus in a south-facing window to ensure it receives plenty of sunlight without the risk of scorching.
Humidity requirement
In milder winter climates, you may be able to leave your cactus outdoors year-round, but keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to cover it if necessary. Extremely fluctuating temperatures cause stress to this cactus.
It prefers low humidity levels, as it is adapted to arid environments. While it can tolerate average room humidity, excessive moisture in the air can lead to fungal diseases and rot. Moderate to low humidity levels are ideal for the healthy growth of the Noto cactus.
Watering Requirement
Noto cactus has low water requirements due to its succulent nature. It is important to strike a balance between keeping the soil moist and avoiding excessive watering. Too frequent watering may lead Parodia to root rot. Water your Parodia thoroughly but infrequently. First, give the soil the appropriate water which does not mean overwater then let it entirely soak and become dry. It is the time of watering again when you can feel the top inches of soil dry
During the growing season, which typically spans from spring to fall, water your cactus every two to three weeks. Reduce the frequency to once a month or stop watching during the dormant period in winter. Remaining the cactus roots dry is preferable in winter.
Fertilization Requirement
Proper application of fertilizer is crucial to ensure effective nutrient uptake by your Noto Cactus. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated specifically for cacti and succulents. You need to fertilize this cactus once a month in its growing season. Stop fertilization when the dormant period comes.
Potting and repotting
Proper potting is essential for the Noto cactus to thrive. Use a well-draining cactus potting mix that allows excess water to escape. A mixture of regular potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice works well. When repotting, choose a slightly larger pot to accommodate the growing cactus. Repotting is typically done every two to three years, preferably in summer. Handle the cactus with care, using protective gloves or newspaper to avoid injury from its spines.
For reporting gently remove the cactus from its current pot and handle the roots carefully. Inspect the root system for any signs of rot or damage, and trim away any unhealthy or dead roots. Place the cactus in the new pot, ensuring it sits at the same depth as before. Fill the gaps with fresh soil mix, pressing it lightly to secure the cactus. Don’t instantly water the Noto cactus after repotting. Rather, leave it for about a week to allow the roots to settle and avoid potential root rot. Resume regular watering gradually once the cactus has acclimated to its new pot.
Pest and diseases
Some certain pests and diseases may attack the Noto Cactus that require your attention. Common pests that can affect this cactus include aphids and mealybugs. To tackle infestations, gently wipe affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For severe cases, use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil to save your Noto. Ensure proper drainage and avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent these issues. In case of rot, remove the affected areas and allow the cactus to dry out before watering again.
Noto cactus Propagation Methods
To expand your Noto cactus collection, propagation is a relatively easy process that can be done by gardeners of all skill levels. There are three main methods of propagating Notocactus: separating offsets, using cuttings, and growing from seeds.
Propagation by Seeds
By understanding the process of propagating Notocactus from seeds, you can expand your collection and enjoy the beauty of these unique plants. Obtain fresh and viable Notocactus seeds to begin the propagation process. You can acquire seeds from dried flowers of your existing Noto cactus or collect them from reputable nurseries. Once you have obtained the seeds, ensure their quality by checking for signs of damage.
Start the germination process with a well-draining potting mix that consists of a combination of perlite, sand, and cactus-specific soil. Moisten the mixture with water and fill seed trays with this medium. Next, you need to spread the Notocactus seeds evenly on the surface of the potting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with a thin layer of the same mixture. This helps maintain a moist environment and protect the seeds during the germination process. Place the pots or trays in a well-lit location and provide regular moisture to the potting mix. However, be cautious not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to the rotting of the seeds.
Measurement of Growth after Propagation
Notocactus seeds typically take several weeks to germinate, here you have to be patient during this stage. Regularly monitor the trays for any signs of germination, such as tiny seedlings emerging from the soil. Once the seedlings have sprouted, continue to provide them with adequate light and moisture. As they grow, you can gradually introduce them to indirect light at the initial stage.
Noto cactus Propagation by Offsets
Offsets, also known as pups or babies, are small, self-sufficient plants that develop from the base of mature Notocactus plants. You first need to identify healthy and mature plants that produce these offsets to propagate Notocactus using offsets. Use the small clusters of miniature cacti growing at the base of the parent plant. These offsets are genetically identical to the parent and can be separated to form new individual plants.
Take care not to damage the roots or the main plant during this process, only cut the offsets from the parent plant. Allow the offsets to dry for a day or two before moving on to the next step. You need to root them, once the offsets have dried and prepare to establish their root systems. Fill small pots or containers with a well-draining cactus potting mix, similar to the one used for seed propagation. Carefully place the offsets into the soil after that. Lightly press the soil around them to provide stability. Water the newly potted offsets sparingly and put them in soft sunlight. After some days, you can care for them like a mature Noto cactus.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings involve taking a portion of a mature Notocactus plant and using it to create new individual plants. It is a similar process to the propagation method of Notocactus offset, using healthy plant material from established specimens. Propagating by cutting is useful when some parts of the cactus become damaged. That is why you need to cut the healthy part of the Notocactus plant, removing the damaged one.
After making the cutting, set it aside for a few days to allow the cut end to dry and callous over. This step helps prevent rot and fungal infections when the cutting is planted. Choose the cactus-specific potting mix and plant the cutting in it and slightly moisten the soil with some water, alongside providing indirect lighting. As the cutting establishes roots and begins to grow, it is essential to provide it with regular care.
