Buy Cacti - Parodia Ottonis (Ball Cactus)

Add a classic cactus to your collection with Parodia ottonis, commonly known as the Ball Cactus. This compact South American species is admired for its rounded shape, neat ribs, and bright yellow flowers that appear during the warmer months.

Parodia ottonis forms a dark green, globe-shaped stem covered with evenly spaced ribs and short golden or white spines. As the plant matures, it may produce offsets to form small clusters. During spring and summer, healthy plants often produce large, daisy-like yellow flowers that create a bright contrast against the green body.

Its compact size and simple care requirements make this cactus an excellent choice for windowsills, patios, rock gardens, and decorative pots. It is suitable for beginners and experienced cactus collectors alike.

Why You'll Love It

• Bright Yellow Flowers – Produces attractive blooms during the growing season.
• Compact Rounded Shape – Perfect for small pots and limited spaces.
• Easy Care Cactus – Ideal for beginners and low-maintenance gardens.
• Golden or White Spines – Adds texture and visual interest.
• Drought Tolerant – Requires very little watering once established.
• Great Collector's Plant – Popular among cactus enthusiasts.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Parodia ottonis
• Common Name: Ball Cactus
• Plant Family: Cactaceae
• Plant Type: Globe cactus
• Growth Habit: Rounded, solitary or slowly clustering
• Stem Colour: Dark green
• Spine Colour: Golden to white
• Flower Colour: Bright yellow
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Light: Full sun to light shade
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between watering
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Hardiness: Protect from frost
• Uses: Decorative pots, windowsills, rockeries, cactus collections, and succulent gardens
• Pot Size: 80mm

Growing and Care Guide

Light Requirements

Parodia ottonis grows best in full sun or a bright position with several hours of sunlight each day. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can help protect the plant.

Watering Requirements

Water thoroughly only when the soil has completely dried. Reduce watering during winter while the cactus is dormant.

Soil Requirements

Plant in a free-draining cactus or succulent mix. Good drainage is essential to keep the roots healthy.

Temperature Requirements

This cactus prefers warm, dry conditions and should be protected from frost and prolonged cold weather.

Maintenance

Very little maintenance is required. Remove spent flowers if desired and avoid excessive watering.

Indoor and Outdoor Growing

Parodia ottonis grows well in decorative pots, sunny windowsills, patios, balconies, and rock gardens. It is an excellent choice for small spaces and cactus collections.

Plant Size and Packaging Information

The plant supplied comes in an 80mm diameter nursery pot.

The first two product images are for display purposes only. The product images show a representative example of the plant you will receive. Each Parodia ottonis grows naturally, so stem size, spine colour, flowering, and overall appearance may vary slightly.

Good To Know

• Healthy plants may flower several times during the growing season.
• Bright sunlight encourages compact growth and flowering.
• Water sparingly to avoid root rot.
• Mature plants may slowly form small clumps.

FAQ

Is Parodia ottonis easy to grow?

Yes. It is a hardy, beginner-friendly cactus that requires very little maintenance.

Can Parodia ottonis grow indoors?

Yes. It grows well indoors near a bright, sunny window with plenty of natural light.

How often should I water Ball Cactus?

Water only after the soil has completely dried. Reduce watering during winter dormancy.

Does Parodia ottonis produce flowers?

Yes. Healthy mature plants produce bright yellow flowers during the warmer months, and they may bloom more than once each season.

Please note  — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.

View Shipping options