A symmetrical green body
Distinct ribs converge at the crown and give the cactus a stable, almost graphic structure.
Notocactus schlosseri 10.5cm — Care & Tips
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Small, green and full of confidence 🌵
Family: Cactaceae · Pot diameter: 10.5cm · Height: 10–12cm
Parodia schlosseri, long known as 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.
A clean sphere, orderly ribs and warm-toned spines create a classic cactus with a particularly polished appearance.
Distinct ribs converge at the crown and give the cactus a stable, almost graphic structure.
Central spines can emerge reddish or dark, adding depth against the luminous green body.
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.
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.
Combine it with species sharing its strong-light and dry-cycle requirements, in separate pots for precise moisture control.
A very bright position with gentle direct sun and gradual exposure to stronger radiation.
Water only after the mix has dried completely; allow a much longer dry period in winter.
Moving air and a cool, dry, frost-free rest support compact growth.
Spines cause mechanical injury; keep it away from frequent contact and busy walkways.
Strong light keeps the ribs close and develops spine colour. Acclimate it to direct sun in stages, with light protection during extreme heat.
Water deeply during active growth and let the mix dry completely before repeating. Under cool conditions, maintain it almost dry.
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.
Growth is strongest from spring to early autumn. A bright winter around 6–10°C without surplus water supports the next flowering cycle.
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.
Apply dilute low-nitrogen cactus fertiliser every four to six weeks only during visible growth. Repot in spring when roots fill the pot.
Notocactus schlosseri Van Vliet has been transferred to Parodia, and Parodia schlosseri is used in recent taxonomic databases. It belongs to Cactaceae.
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.
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.
Folds let water-storage tissue swell without splitting the epidermis and contract smoothly as stored water is used.
On fresh areoles, central spines often emerge reddish and gradually fade to amber or yellow tones.
Blooms arise from younger areoles near the growing point and form a bright ring around the apex.
Although many species now sit within Parodia, the older genus remains extremely common on labels, in catalogues and in collections.
Useful answers about placement, watering, seasonal behaviour and the plant’s distinctive traits.
Parodia schlosseri is the current accepted placement, while Notocactus schlosseri remains the familiar trade name.
A very bright position with some direct sun. Increase exposure gradually to prevent damage on a plant raised under protection.
Only once the mix is dry to the bottom. Water thoroughly and allow all surplus to leave immediately.
It may need greater maturity, stronger light or a cooler dry winter rest. Excess feeding can also favour body growth over flowers.
Yes. Warm colour is characteristic, particularly on new growth, and generally fades as spines age.
A small low-nitrogen dose only during active growth. Frequent or rich feeding produces softer tissue and less balanced development.