How to Grow and Care for the Parodia chrysacanthion (Snow White Crown Cactus)

Parodia chrysacanthion, also known as Snow White Crown Cactus, Snowball Cactus, or Snow Crown, is a perennial succulent plant in the Cactaceae family, genus Parodia. Its stem is spherical or slightly flattened-round, and its flowers emerge from among the white spines, making it very beautiful and long-lasting to view. A single flower can bloom for over 2 weeks, and the continuous blooming period lasts about 3 months, giving it considerable ornamental value. Let's take a look at how to grow Parodia chrysacanthion below!

Growth Habits of Parodia chrysacanthion

Parodia chrysacanthion prefers a warm environment with plenty of sunlight. In spring and autumn, it can be placed in a courtyard where there is frequent sunlight; those living in apartment buildings can place it on a windowsill or balcony. In summer, avoid strong direct sunlight and provide appropriate shading. Normally, keep the potting soil slightly dry. It can tolerate low temperatures of 5°C. In winter, it needs to be brought indoors to overwinter; if the room temperature is kept above 5°C, the globe can safely overwinter.

Propagation Methods for Parodia chrysacanthion

1. Offsets: This can be done from April to September. Cut offset pups from the mother plant, let them dry for 2-3 days, or dip the cut surface in plant ash, then insert them into a pot or a tray of moist sand. Watering is not necessary; a light misting is sufficient. When separating the pups, do not twist them off by hand; it is best to use a small knife or scissors to cut from the base of the pup to avoid pulling out the core.

2. Grafting: This is generally done during the vigorous growing period from May to July. Use a Echinopsis, a three-ribbed cactus, or a columnar or vine-like cactus as the rootstock. The rootstock should be thicker than the scion. When collecting the scion, do not break it off by hand. First, use a small knife to cut the top of the rootstock flat with one slice, then cut the lower part of the scion flat with one slice. Next, align the core of the pup with the central core of the rootstock so they are pressed tightly together, then tie and secure them together with the pot using string, and place in an indoor ventilated area or a shaded outdoor spot for care.

3. Sowing: Parodia chrysacanthion seeds have a lifespan of 1-2 years and need high temperatures to germinate, so sowing should be done in June-July. Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water for 2-3 days. The potting soil or sand bed should be mainly loose loam. Sow at a depth where the seeds are just barely covered, keeping a spacing of 2-3 cm between seeds. Water by the bottom-soaking method, cover with white paper or glass on top, let the seedlings receive sufficient light, and do not apply fertilizer.

How to Grow Parodia chrysacanthion

1. Sunlight: The key to growing Parodia chrysacanthion lies mainly in matching its growth habits. The first priority in cultivation is ensuring sufficient sunlight. For indoor growing with insufficient sunlight, artificial lighting can be used as a supplement. At the same time, during the hot summer, do not let Parodia chrysacanthion be exposed to strong sunlight; use cloth or other material to provide appropriate shade.

2. Soil: For growing Parodia chrysacanthion, choose a well-draining sandy loam. For indoor cultivation, a mix of half peat soil and half fine sand is often used, or crushed pine needles mixed with fine sand can also be used for growing.

3. Watering: How often should you water Parodia chrysacanthion? Many people have this question. Since Parodia chrysacanthion requires a dry environment for growth, watering must be controlled. Generally, watering once a month with water that has been left to stand is sufficient. Of course, when watering, water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. In addition, the amount of watering should be determined by various factors such as temperature, light duration, and wind. Usually, Parodia chrysacanthion will not die from drought, only from overwatering.

4. Fertilizing: When growing Parodia chrysacanthion, appropriate fertilizer should be given. During the growing season, apply a dilute cake fertilizer once every 10 days to half a month. In addition, when repotting Parodia chrysacanthion, a small amount of base fertilizer can be applied at the bottom of the pot, such as horse hoof slices, bean cake, or sesame paste residue, but the fertilizer concentration must not be too high.

5. Disease Prevention: When growing Parodia chrysacanthion in a high-temperature, poorly ventilated environment, various pests and diseases are likely to occur. If disease is found, spray carbendazim or thiophanate to eliminate it. Note that no matter which liquid medicine is sprayed, it must be done outdoors.