74 Species of Genus Parodia

My Fascination with Parodia Cacti

As a plant enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to the unique and diverse world of cacti. Among my favorites is the genus Parodia, a group of fascinating plants native to the highlands of South America. Their diverse forms, vibrant flowers, and manageable care requirements make them a captivating addition to any collection.

A Diverse Genus

The Parodia genus boasts a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some species, like Parodia microsperma, are small and globular, while others, like Parodia leninghausii, grow into impressive columns. This diversity is part of what makes them so intriguing. You can find a Parodia to fit any space, from a sunny windowsill to a sprawling desert garden.

Striking Blooms

One of the most remarkable features of Parodia cacti is their flowers. These blooms, often appearing in clusters, come in a range of vibrant colors, including red, yellow, orange, and pink. Imagine a Parodia haselbergii covered in a crown of red flowers, or a Parodia magnifica with its cheerful yellow blooms. The sight is truly spectacular.

Easy Companions

Despite their exotic appearance, Parodia cacti are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable even for novice gardeners. They thrive in well-draining soil and prefer bright, indirect light. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. With the right care, these resilient plants can thrive for many years, rewarding you with their unique beauty and stunning floral displays.

A Closer Look at Parodia Species

The Parodia genus encompasses a vast array of species, each with its own unique characteristics:

  1. Parodia leninghausii: This columnar cactus, also known as the Lemon Ball cactus, can reach heights of up to three feet. It features golden spines and produces yellow flowers.
  2. Parodia magnifica: Also known as the Ball cactus, this species is globular in shape and has distinct ribs lined with golden spines. It produces large, yellow flowers.
  3. Parodia haselbergii: This small, globular cactus is covered in white spines and produces vibrant red flowers.
  4. Parodia microsperma: This species is known for its variable flower color, which can range from red and orange to yellow.
  5. Parodia ottonis: This popular species is relatively small and features yellow spines and yellow flowers.
  6. Parodia penicillata: This cactus has a unique appearance, with long, white spines that resemble a paintbrush. It produces red or orange flowers.
  7. Parodia scopa: This species is covered in white, hair-like spines and produces yellow flowers.
  8. Parodia warasii: This cactus has a distinctive blue-green stem and produces large, yellow flowers.
  9. Parodia alacriportana Backeb. & Voll
  10. Parodia allosiphon (Marchesi) N.P.Taylor
  11. Parodia aureicentra Backeb.
  12. Parodia ayopayana Cárdenas
  13. Parodia buiningii (Buxb.) N.P.Taylor
  14. Parodia calvescens (N.Gerloff & A.D.Nilson) Anceschi & Magli
  15. Parodia carambeiensis (Buining & Brederoo) Hofacker
  16. Parodia chrysacanthion (K.Schum.) Backeb.
  17. Parodia claviceps (F.Ritter) F.H.Brandt
  18. Parodia columnaris Cárdenas
  19. Parodia comarapana Cárdenas
  20. Parodia commutans F.Ritter
  21. Parodia concinna (Monv.) N.P.Taylor
  22. Parodia crassigibba (F.Ritter) N.P.Taylor
  23. Parodia curvispina (F.Ritter) D.R.Hunt
  24. Parodia diersiana Jucker
  25. Parodia erinaceus (Haw.) N.P.Taylor
  26. Parodia × erubescens (Osten) D.R.Hunt
  27. Parodia formosa F.Ritter
  28. Parodia fraileoides M.Lowry & J.Arnold
  29. Parodia fusca (F.Ritter) Hofacker & P.J.Braun
  30. Parodia gaucha M.Machado & Larocca
  31. Parodia gibbulosoides F.H.Brandt
  32. Parodia gladiata (V.Gapon & Ponomareva) M.H.J.van der Meer
  33. Parodia hausteiniana Rausch
  34. Parodia hegeri Diers, Krahn & Beckert
  35. Parodia herteri (Werderm.) N.P.Taylor
  36. Parodia hofackeriana A.S.Oliveira & R.Pontes
  37. Parodia horrida F.H.Brandt
  38. Parodia horstii (F.Ritter) N.P.Taylor
  39. Parodia ibicuiensis (Prestlé) Anceschi & Magli
  40. Parodia juckeri Diers
  41. Parodia langsdorfii (Lehm.) D.R.Hunt
  42. Parodia larapuntensis Diers & Jucker
  43. Parodia lenninghausii (F.Haage) F.H.Brandt ex Eggli & Hofacker
  44. Parodia linkii (Lehm.) R.Kiesling
  45. Parodia maassii (Heese) A.Berger
  46. Parodia mairanana Cárdenas
  47. Parodia mammulosa (Lem.) N.P.Taylor
  48. Parodia mueller-melchersii (Frič ex Backeb.) N.P.Taylor
  49. Parodia muricata (Link & Otto ex Pfeiff.) Hofacker
  50. Parodia neoarechavaletae (Havlíček) D.R.Hunt
  51. Parodia neobuenekeri (F.Ritter) Anceschi & Magli
  52. Parodia neohorstii N.P.Taylor
  53. Parodia nigrispina (K.Schum.) F.H.Brandt
  54. Parodia nivosa Backeb.
  55. Parodia nothorauschii D.R.Hunt
  56. Parodia ocampoi Cárdenas
  57. Parodia otaviana Cárdenas
  58. Parodia oxycostata (Buining & Brederoo) Hofacker
  59. Parodia prestoensis F.H.Brandt
  60. Parodia procera F.Ritter
  61. Parodia rechensis (Buining) F.H.Brandt
  62. Parodia ritteri Buining
  63. Parodia ritteriana (Lisal & Kolařík) A.S.Oliveira & R.Pontes
  64. Parodia roseolutea (Vliet) Hofacker, A.S.Oliveira & R.Pontes
  65. Parodia schumanniana (Nicolai) F.H.Brandt
  66. Parodia schwebsiana (Werderm.) Backeb.
  67. Parodia stockingeri (Prestlé) Hofacker & P.J.Braun
  68. Parodia stuemeri (Werderm.) Backeb.
  69. Parodia subterranea F.Ritter
  70. Parodia taratensis Cárdenas
  71. Parodia tenuicylindrica (F.Ritter) D.R.Hunt
  72. Parodia tuberculata Cárdenas
  73. Parodia unguiculata Diers
  74. Parodia werdermanniana (Herter) N.P.Taylor

My Personal Connection

My own journey with Parodia began with a single Parodia leninghausii cutting. I was immediately captivated by its unique form and the promise of its golden blooms. Over time, my fascination grew, leading me to cultivate a diverse collection of Parodia species. Each new addition brings me joy and a deeper appreciation for the intricate beauty of these desert-dwelling plants.

I encourage anyone with an interest in cacti to explore the wonderful world of Parodia. Their unique beauty, ease of care, and diverse forms make them a rewarding addition to any plant collection. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Parodia cacti offer a fascinating glimpse into the remarkable world of succulents.

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