Parodia warasii - Cactus

Parodia warasii (synonym Eriocephala warasii) is a small cactus that is easy to grow and very attractive due to its particularly artistic silhouette. Its slow growth gradually evolves from an initially spherical form, marked by numerous ribs, to a cylindrical habit. It has the interesting characteristic of producing numerous spines on the edge of the ribs, which adds to its aesthetics, and due to their flexibility, they are not prickly like those of most other cacti. Its satiny, rather dark green epidermis really highlights the lemon-yellow flowers. It is sensitive to cold and can only be grown outdoors in very mild climates. However, its size allows pot cultivation, convenient for bringing it indoors during winter elsewhere, or for permanently keeping it in a conservatory where it tolerates heat well.

Parodia belongs to the Cactaceae family, which comprises around 2,500 species highly prized by enthusiasts for their diversity of forms and appearance: barrel cactus, candle cactus, woolly cactus... The Parodia genus, enriched over time by the integration of related groups such as Malacocarpus, Eriocactus or Microspermia, now includes around fifty species native to South America. Among them, Parodia warasii grows naturally in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil, most often at medium altitude (800 to 1000 m). It grows on cliffs, in rock crevices and well-drained mineral substrates, in a hot climate with dry periods. Initially solitary, it eventually forms small colonies.
Its moderate to slow growth sees it go from a globular shape to a more elongated silhouette with age. At maturity, it can reach 15 to 20 cm in diameter and grow up to 50, even 60 cm tall. Older specimens sometimes produce offshoots at the base. The plant is structured by 13 to 16 straight, well-defined ribs that give it a beautiful geometric regularity. Along the entire edge of these ribs are very close-set areoles, from which clusters of 15 to 20, 1 to 4 cm long prickles burst. Yellowish-brown, they are decorative and not prickly because they are flexible. They contrast elegantly with the beautiful dark green, slightly satiny epidermis. 
After 4 to 6 years of cultivation (a little less with a true winter rest, followed by exposure to strong light), this Parodia produces a very beautiful summer flowering. The large, 5 to 6 cm diameter flowers are grouped at the top of the cylinder (apex) and are formed of numerous petals. These are intense lemon-yellow at their base and fade towards the outside, while their tips are nicely fringed. The heart formed by the sexual parts is also yellow.

Parodia warasii is a fascinating plant whose sculptural appeal charms cactus and succulent enthusiasts. In regions with mild climates, it can be planted in the ground alongside species with bold style, such as certain Agaves or Dasylirions with spectacular architectural forms. In colder regions, it is essential to grow it in a pot in order to protect it from frost in winter, in a bright and cool place, much like citrus trees. When the fine weather returns, it should be gradually brought back outside, slowly acclimating it to the sun to avoid any risk of sunburn. If you have a very bright room, you can also keep it as a houseplant.