Description
The typical Parodia buiningii f. cristata (Notocactus buiningii f. cristata) is a solitary, flattened cactus with bluish to bright emerald green stems, up to 8 cm tall and 12 cm in diameter. It has pronounced, and sharp ribs and short, straw-coloured spines. The flowers are very large and showy, shiny, pale yellow with a distinct red-violet stigma.
Crested form: The crested form is cultivated for its fan shaped bluish stem with thin sharp tubercled ribs. Flowers are produced on the the apex of crested stems too. Crested specimens are often grafted on stronger species, called the stock, that can be any number of different columnar cactus.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin: The natural species comes from Southern Brazil, northern Uruguay.
Cultivation and Propagation
This is an easy plant to cultivate. It likes to be kept cool, and needs only a short rest in winter. It can can tolerate light frost. Grow in full sun or light shade, but it doesn’t like full, hot blazing sun in the central summer months. Water occasionally in winter so the roots do not dry out completely, and water regularly in summer. Some growers suggest to use exclusively rain water. But be careful, as it will rot easily if the substrate is wet and cold. It tends to lose its roots in winter. The root system of this plant is comparatively small, and it is best to grow it in a shallow pot using a neutral to slightly acidic compost, with plenty of extra grit. Give an occasional tonic of sequestrated iron.
Reproduction: Usually by seeds, as it seldom produces offsets.
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