Parodia scopa / Silver Ball Cactus
Best low-maintenance succulent for pet-owning indoor gardening beginners.
Discover the Parodia scopa, also known as the Silver Ball Cactus, a captivating succulent that brings unique texture and charm to your home. Its spherical body is adorned with distinctive silver spines, creating a striking visual appeal. This easy-care cactus thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-drained cactus soil. It forms a dense, white mat of offsets and rewards with delicate pale yellow flowers in the summer. Perfect for beginners, this pet-safe plant is a low-maintenance addition to any plant collection, thriving indoors or on a balcony.
$18.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
140
/ 10395
#140 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-64%
Below average
Scientific Name
Parodia scopa
/ Parodia scopa
Who it's for
- Apartment dwellers with limited shelf or desk space
- Collectors seeking unique textures for their indoor displays
- Busy plant owners needing low-maintenance greenery
Who should skip it
- Owners lacking access to bright, direct sunlight
- Beginners prone to overwatering their houseplants
- People who prefer handling plants without protective gear
Performance breakdown
Maintenance Ease
Low water requirements make this an ideal choice for busy owners.
Visual Impact
Distinctive silver spines provide a striking architectural element for any space.
Pet Safety
Non-toxic composition offers total peace of mind for animal-friendly households.
Growth Potential
Slow growth rate ensures the plant maintains its compact, manageable form.
Light Adaptability
Thrives best in bright spots but requires consistent indirect light exposure.
Flowering Reliability
Seasonal yellow blooms provide a rewarding highlight during the summer months.
Key Specs
Scientific Name
Parodia scopa
Common Name
Silver Ball Cactus
Mature Height
20 inches
Mature Spread
4 inches
Pot Diameter
4 inches
Cold Hardiness Zone
9b-11b (25°F to 50°F)
Bloom Color
Yellow
Primary Color
Green and silver
Features
- Striking silver spines and woolly crown
- Forms a dense, white cactus mat
- Blooms with pale yellow flowers
- Pet-safe and non-toxic
- Easy care difficulty level
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Drought-tolerant succulent
- Low humidity preference
What customers say
This Silver Ball Cactus receives high praise for its exceptional quality and striking design. Buyers consistently note that the plant arrives healthy, securely packaged, and perfectly matches its online depiction. Its unique silvery color and symmetrical form are frequently highlighted as major aesthetic benefits. This reliability makes it a trusted choice for both new enthusiasts and experienced collectors looking for a beautiful, low maintenance specimen that consistently meets expectations.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Parodia scopa is non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, because it is covered in spines, it is best to place it in a location where your pets cannot accidentally brush against it.
This plant prefers bright, indirect light. A sunny windowsill that receives filtered light is ideal, as direct, harsh afternoon sun can sometimes scorch its skin.
As a drought-tolerant succulent, it requires very little water. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Yes, with the right light conditions, the Silver Ball Cactus can produce delicate pale yellow flowers during the summer months. It is a slow grower, so it may take time to reach the maturity required for flowering.
Yes, it is essential to use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Standard potting soil holds too much moisture, which can lead to issues for this desert-native plant.
The Silver Ball Cactus naturally forms a dense mat of offsets. Because it is a slow grower, you won't need to worry about frequent repotting; simply move it to a slightly larger container only when the offsets have completely filled the current pot.
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$19