Product Description:
The golden ball cactus from South America starts off spherical in shape, but loses its puppy fat to turn into a pale green, cylindrical column which in time may grow to be ten inches (25 cm) tall. It has many ribs and the golden spines grow close together. While most notocacti will begin flowering while they are still quite young this species is less precocious. Notocactus are easy to grow. They will grow and bloom indoors under bright light. A flowering season from spring through summer produces bright yellow blooms, tinged with red on the outer petals.
Light:
To thrive, this cactus requires full sun (only avoid the strongest summer sun). When placed in darker environments, this species tends to become overly lush and potentially rot prone. Additionally, flowers will likely not form.
Water:
Water Notocactus regularly during the summer growing season; let the soil dry between watering. Allow the soil to dry during the winter dormant period.
Soil:
Is is important to provide a well-draining and porous soil to provide the best growing environment.
Fertilizer:
You can replenish the nutrients lost in the soil by fertilizing during the growing season. Use ¼ to ½ strength of the recommended dosage on the label and feed or fertilize every two weeks to once a month
Temperature:
Provide a winter temperature of not less than 50°F (10°C) in a well-lit position. From early spring until autumn put the plant on a bright, sunny window sill: it will need all the sun it can get if it is to flower.
Propagation:
- Take care to gently remove the offsets from the mature plant. Wear protective gloves and use foam, cardboard, or other barrier to protect your fingers from the sharp spines.
- Place the offsets onto a piece of paper towel or in a dry location and allow them to dry out. This may take a few days depending on the humidity in your area.
- You will notice a scab-like growth forming over the cut area, which is called a callus.
- Prepare a pot or small container with well-draining cactus growing soil.
- Once the offsets have dried, plant the callus edge into the soil.
- Water every few days or when the soil feels dry. Place the container in a bright spot but away from direct sunlight. Allow the plant to establish itself over a few weeks before exposing it to more sunlight.
Repotting:
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a cacti, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
