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Notocactus schlosseri 10.5cm

Normal price €6,00
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?

The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.

Cactus · Cactaceae · Spherical geometry

Notocactus schlosseri

Small, green and full of confidence 🌵

Family: Cactaceae · Pot diameter: 10.5cm · Height: 10–12cm

  • Cactaceae
  • Glossy body
  • Coppery spines
  • Yellow flowers
  • Very bright position

Notocactus schlosseri is a beautifully formed spherical cactus with a glossy green body and clean symmetrical ribs. Yellowish to copper-red spines add warmth and define every areole without hiding the geometry.

Large bright-yellow flowers may open at the crown, making a dramatic contrast with the compact body. Its balanced outline, manageable scale and vivid flowering potential make it an excellent addition to a first collection as well as a companion to more unusual cacti.

What makes it special

A clean sphere, orderly ribs and warm-toned spines create a classic cactus with a particularly polished appearance.

A symmetrical green body

Distinct ribs converge at the crown and give the cactus a stable, almost graphic structure.

Spines in a warm palette

Central spines can emerge reddish or dark, adding depth against the luminous green body.

Bright apical flowers

Mature growth can produce large yellow flowers around the woolly centre of the crown.

Why you will love it: it delivers the iconic form of a classic cactus with striking colour contrast and a genuine flower display.

In your spacePlacement & plant pairingsWhere it looks its best and which plants complement it
In your space

Where it looks its best

Give it a central position on a very bright sill or sheltered sunny terrace. A simple matte cachepot in terracotta or graphite allows the coppery spines to stand out.

Plant pairings

Plants that complement it

Combine it with species sharing its strong-light and dry-cycle requirements, in separate pots for precise moisture control.

  • Parodia magnifica — a blue body and denser ribs make a cool-toned contrast.
  • Gymnocalycium mihanovichii — a darker body brings depth beside its glossy green surface.
  • Mammillaria elongata — small golden columns repeat the warm palette in another rhythm.

Care at a glance

Light

A very bright position with gentle direct sun and gradual exposure to stronger radiation.

Water

Water only after the mix has dried completely; allow a much longer dry period in winter.

Climate

Moving air and a cool, dry, frost-free rest support compact growth.

Pets

Spines cause mechanical injury; keep it away from frequent contact and busy walkways.

Detailed careComplete care guideLight, drying cycle, climate, substrate and nutrition in detail

Light and position

Strong light keeps the ribs close and develops spine colour. Acclimate it to direct sun in stages, with light protection during extreme heat.

Watering correctly

Water deeply during active growth and let the mix dry completely before repeating. Under cool conditions, maintain it almost dry.

Air and humidity

Air should move around the body and the crown should not remain wet. Persistent moisture at the neck is a greater risk than brief drought.

Temperature and seasonal rhythm

Growth is strongest from spring to early autumn. A bright winter around 6–10°C without surplus water supports the next flowering cycle.

Substrate

Use a highly free-draining mix dominated by porous mineral components and a small amount of screened organic matter. Keep the neck above the surface.

Feeding and repotting

Apply dilute low-nitrogen cactus fertiliser every four to six weeks only during visible growth. Repot in spring when roots fill the pot.

Botanical identityIdentity & natural originAccepted name, origin of the form and natural distribution

Current accepted name

Notocactus schlosseri Van Vliet has been transferred to Parodia, and Parodia schlosseri is used in recent taxonomic databases. It belongs to Cactaceae.

Relationship with Parodia erubescens

Older sources linked or merged this plant with Parodia erubescens. Current acceptance of P. schlosseri as a separate name reflects a more recent taxonomic reassessment.

Origin in Uruguay

The species comes from Uruguay, in subtropical landscapes with rocky or gravelly soils, strong seasonal light and moisture that drains away rapidly.

From natural habitat to home care: ribs let the body expand after rain and contract in drought, while spines moderate radiation at the surface. In a pot it needs intense light, deep but infrequent watering and an airy root zone.

Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScientific details nobody asked forBotanical details for anyone who wants to know what lies behind the plant’s appearance

Ribs are a volume-change mechanism

Folds let water-storage tissue swell without splitting the epidermis and contract smoothly as stored water is used.

New spines carry more colour

On fresh areoles, central spines often emerge reddish and gradually fade to amber or yellow tones.

Flowers form at the crown

Blooms arise from younger areoles near the growing point and form a bright ring around the apex.

Notocactus lives on in cultivation

Although many species now sit within Parodia, the older genus remains extremely common on labels, in catalogues and in collections.

Frequently asked questions

Useful answers about placement, watering, seasonal behaviour and the plant’s distinctive traits.

01Is it Notocactus or Parodia?

Parodia schlosseri is the current accepted placement, while Notocactus schlosseri remains the familiar trade name.

02How much sun does it need?

A very bright position with some direct sun. Increase exposure gradually to prevent damage on a plant raised under protection.

03When should it be watered?

Only once the mix is dry to the bottom. Water thoroughly and allow all surplus to leave immediately.

04Why is it not flowering?

It may need greater maturity, stronger light or a cooler dry winter rest. Excess feeding can also favour body growth over flowers.

05Are reddish spines normal?

Yes. Warm colour is characteristic, particularly on new growth, and generally fades as spines age.

06What feeding does it need?

A small low-nitrogen dose only during active growth. Frequent or rich feeding produces softer tissue and less balanced development.

© Original plant description by Greenleaf Garden Center. All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

Note: Spine colour, rib number and flowering naturally vary with age, season and light.