If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy to care for cactus, Notocactus scopa is an excellent option.
Notocactus scopa is a type of cactus that is native to South America. It is part of the greater Notocactus family, which includes over 100 different species.
Notocactus scopa specifically gets its name from the Latin word ‘scopa,’ meaning ‘broom,’ referring to the broom-like shape of its flower buds.
Some of the common household names for the Notocactus scopa include:
- Ball Cactus
- Silver ball cactus
One of the most distinctive features of the Notocactus scopa is its round shape, which is why it is also sometimes called the ball cactus.
Here are some reasons why you might want to get one:
- Low maintenance: Notocactus scopa is very easy to care for, making it perfect for beginner gardeners.
- Drought resistant: Notocactus scopa can thrive in dry climates, making them an excellent choice for arid environments.
- Beautiful: With its bright blooms and spiny stems, Notocactus scopa is an eye-catching addition to any garden.
Quick Facts On Notocactus Scopa
- Family: Cactaceae
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Temperature: 68° to 77° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Regular watering; allow the soil to dry out between waterings
- Fertilizer: Cactus fertilizer monthly during the growing season
- Propagation: Seed or offsets
- Common Problems: Scales, mealybugs, caterpillars, and root rot
Notocactus Scopa Care
Now that you know the quick facts, we’re going to dive into every detail you need to know about how to care for your notocactus scopa!
What Does The Ball Cactus Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
Notocactus scopa is a small cactus that typically grows only around 6″ to 8″ inches tall. However, it can grow up to 12″ inches tall in ideal conditions.
It has a rounded shape and is typically green or blue-green.
One of the most distinguishing features of the ball cactus is the white or yellow spines that cover its body.
These spines help to protect the plant from predators and also help it to collect moisture from the air.
When grown indoors, notocactus scopa is typically a slow-growing plant. However, it can grow quite quickly when outdoors in ideal conditions.
It is important to note that notocactus scopa can take several years to reach its full size.
When Does The Ball Cactus Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Notocactus scopa blooms in the spring or summer, producing large, bright flowers. The flowers can be yellow, orange, or red and are often not fragrant.
When grown inside, notocactus scopa typically does not flower. However, it may bloom if grown in a very sunny location.
Additionally, the ball cactus will not bloom for the first three years after being planted.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Choosing a spot in your garden that gets full sun is important, as notocactus scopa needs plenty of sunlight to thrive.
If you live in an area with scorching summers, it is best to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the plant from getting too much direct sunlight.
Notocactus scopa is a heat-loving plant and can tolerate temperatures up to 100° degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it does not do well in cold weather and should be protected from frost.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Ball Cactus?
Notocactus scopa is drought tolerant and does not require a lot of water, making it a great choice for arid environments.
Water your ball cactus deeply and regularly, but make sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
During the winter months, watering should be reduced even further.
Notocactus scopa does not need to be fertilized often. A light application of cactus fertilizer in the spring is all needed.
Fertilize your ball cactus once a month with a cactus or general purpose fertilizer diluted at half strength.
What Is The Best Soil For Notocactus Scopa, And When Should You Transplant?
Notocactus scopa grows best in sandy, well-draining soil. You can mix some compost or sand to improve drainage if your soil is heavy or clay-like.
It is best to use a cactus potting mix or a general-purpose potting mix that has been diluted with sand.
Notocactus scopa does not need to be transplanted often. However, if you need to transplant your plant, it is best to do so in the spring.
Does The Notocactus Scopa Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Notocactus scopa is a low-maintenance plant and does not require much grooming.
If you notice that the plant is starting to look leggy, you can trim back the stems to encourage new growth.
How To Over-Winter Notocactus Scopa?
If you live in an area with cold winters, bringing your notocactus scopa indoors during the winter is best. Place the plant in a sunny location and water it sparingly.
Moving your plant to a different location every few days is also a good idea to prevent it from getting too much direct sunlight.
When moving your ball cactus plant back outside in the spring, make sure to do so gradually to acclimate it to the change in temperature.
How To Propagate Ball Cactus?
Maybe you want more ball cacti, or perhaps you want to share your love of these unique plants with a friend.
Whatever the reason, propagating the ball cactus is easy and requires only a few supplies.
If you want to propagate your own ball cactus plants, it’s actually quite easy to do so using the seeds.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
- Plant the seeds in a pot filled with well-draining cactus soil mix.
- Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
- Once the seedlings have sprouted, you can transplant them into their own pots.
Some species of notocactus scopa grow offsets, which makes this an easy way to propagate your plant.
If you want to propagate ball cactus from offsets, the process is a bit different but still relatively easy.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Gently remove the offset from the main plant, careful not to damage either one.
- Allow the offset to callous over for a few days before planting.
- Plant the offset in a pot filled with well-draining cactus soil mix.
- Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
- Once the offset has rooted, you can transplant it into its own pot.
Notocactus Scopa Pests And Diseases
Notocactus scopa is generally a very hardy plant, but a few things can cause problems.
One of the most common problems is root rot, which can occur if the plant is overwatered.
If your plant’s leaves start to wilt, it’s a good sign that the roots are rotting.
To prevent root rot, plant your notocactus scopa in well-draining soil and only water when the soil is dry.
If you think your plant already has root rot, you can try to save it by removing it from the pot and replanting it in fresh, dry soil.
Pests are another potential problem for notocactus scopa. The most common pests are mealybugs and spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
The other pest you might need to keep an eye out for is caterpillars. Again, this is rare, but it does happen from time to time.
If you see caterpillars on your plant, you can pick them off by hand or treat them with an insecticide.
Diseases are not a common problem for notocactus scopa, but powdery mildew is one to watch out for.
This fungal disease can cause your plant’s leaves to become covered in a white, powdery substance.
Powdery mildew is most often caused by too much humidity, so ensure good air circulation around your plant.
If powdery mildew does occur, you can treat it with a fungicide.
Suggested Uses For Silver Ball Cactus
Notocactus scopa is most often used as a houseplant, but it can also be grown outdoors in some climates.
For example, if you live in an area with mild winters, you can grow your plant outdoors year-round.
Just bring it indoors or provide some other protection if the temperatures dip below freezing.
When it comes to decoration, the ball cactus can be used in several different ways.
They make great stand-alone plants and can also be used as part of a succulent garden or cactus display.
Notocactus scopa is also a popular plant for terrariums. This is the perfect plant to use if you want to create a desert-themed terrarium.
Ensure the terrarium is large enough to accommodate the plant’s eventual size.
If you’re looking for a unique and interesting houseplant, notocactus scopa is a great option.
With its beautiful flowers and easy care requirements, it’s no wonder this plant is so popular. So why not give it a try?
You might just find that it’s the perfect addition to your home.