Parodia leninghausii aka Fuzzy Buckeye

Taxonomy

Parodia leninghausii, also known as lemon ball cactus, golden ball cactus, and yellow tower cactus, is a species of South American cactus commonly found as a houseplant. It was named after Wilhelm Lenninghaus, a German immigrant who collected cacti in Brazil. Native to the Rio Grande do Sul province in Brazil, this cactus thrives in cold winter nights with light freezes due to its ability to tolerate dry conditions. The cactus has solitary or clustering, globose to cylindrical stems with bristly, golden-brown spines and bowl-shaped, lemon-yellow flowers that bloom at the top of the stem. With its unique and vibrant appearance, this medium-sized columnar cactus is a great addition to any home decor. It can reach a height of up to 3 feet and has around 30 ribs with soft white-gold spines. Easy to care for, Parodia leninghausii is suitable for aspiring plant parents.

Common names

Fuzzy Buckeye

How to care for Fuzzy Buckeye

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Fuzzy Buckeye due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Fuzzy Buckeye does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Fuzzy Buckeye, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Fuzzy Buckeye thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Fuzzy Buckeye.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Fuzzy Buckeye prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Fuzzy Buckeye is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Fuzzy Buckeye’s native range is Northern South America.


More info:
Wikipedia