{"product_id":"parodia-penicillata-powder-puff-ball-cactus","title":"Parodia penicillata – Powder Puff Ball Cactus","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA compact, globe-shaped cactus with dense spines and cheerful yellow flowers, \u003ci\u003eParodia penicillata\u003c\/i\u003e is ideal for windowsill displays and small spaces. Its fine, hair-like radial spines give it a soft, brushed texture – hence the name “penicillata,” meaning ‘little brush.’ In summer, it can surprise you with a flush of golden blooms from the crown, often forming a sunny ring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eParodia penicillata\u003c\/i\u003e (penicillata = brush-like, referencing the soft, hair-like spines)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSynonyms\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePreviously listed as \u003ci\u003eNotocactus penicillatus\u003c\/i\u003e in older literature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePowder Puff Cactus, Parodia penicillata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to southern Brazil and northern Uruguay, especially in rocky grasslands\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers bright light with a few hours of gentle direct sun each day. East- or west-facing windowsills are ideal. Avoid intense midday sun, especially if recently moved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eWater when the soil is fully dry. During the warmer months, this may be every 2–3 weeks. In winter, reduce to once a month or less. Always water at the base to avoid rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eLow humidity preferred. Avoid enclosed, humid spaces like bathrooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a free-draining cactus soil mix with added grit or perlite. Avoid standard potting composts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every 4–6 weeks in the growing season with cactus-specific feed. Stop feeding in autumn and winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eEnjoys temperatures between 18–26°C. Can tolerate down to 5°C if kept dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNo – mildly toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and small children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eTo encourage flowering, provide a cool, dry rest in winter and move to brighter light as days get longer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eForms offsets with age – larger clumps can be carefully divided in spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe genus \u003ci\u003eParodia\u003c\/i\u003e is named after Argentine botanist Lorenzo Raimundo Parodi, who specialised in South American flora.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"8.5cm","offer_id":56990773608829,"sku":"1870722268571","price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/parodia-penicillata-powder-puff-ball-cactus-9363802.jpg?v=1759232422","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/parodia-penicillata-powder-puff-ball-cactus","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}