Free Parodia Mutabilis Plants

The Parodia is a very attractive cactus, producing pretty, boldly coloured flowers in summer. The individual flowers may last several days and are produced on and off throughout the summer. However, the plant requires expert care, as it easily suffers from root problems. It is best to keep this plant on the dry side, for ifthe compost becomes a little too moist, especially in cooler weather, the Parodia will often shed its roots and may never recover. Plants that have suffered root damage or loss need particularly careful attention. Provided it can be cared for correctly this cactus makes an ideal subject for a windowsill or a conservatory.

Plant type : Flowering cactus with globular habit
Season of interest : Summer
Size : 7.5cm (3in)
Flower : Rayed, 2.5cm (1 in), yellow or orange, produced in summer
Leaf : Globular, green stem with brown and white spines
Temperature : 10-28°C (50—82°F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit position in direct sunlight
Humidity : Low
Watering : Evenly moisten compost in spring and summer, allowing to dry a little before re-watering; water only enough to avoid dehydration in autumn and winter
Feeding : Once every three to four weeks with half strength flowering plant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Remove offsets in early summer, allow them to dry for a couple of days, then pot them in cactus and succulent compost at 20-22°C (68 —72°F); sow seeds as above
Potting : Cactus and succulent compost
Problems : Root rot, mealy bug, root mealy bug
Availability : Occasionally available spring and summer
Uses indoors : Windowsill or conservatory plant for display singly or in arrangement
Other varieties : P. sanguiniflora- cylindrical habit; red flowers