Description
Notocactus leninghausii is a beautiful ornamental cactus, admired for its cylindrical shape and dense covering of soft-looking golden-yellow spines. Commonly known as the Golden Ball Cactus, this attractive species develops a striking golden appearance as it matures, making it a favourite among cactus enthusiasts and collectors.
Native to southern Brazil, this relatively easy-care cactus begins with a rounded shape before gradually developing into a tall, upright column. Its vibrant golden spines, elegant growth habit and beautiful yellow flowers make it an excellent addition to sunny windowsills, decorative containers and cactus collections.
Plant Details
Botanical Name: Notocactus leninghausii (syn. Parodia leninghausii)
Common Name: Golden Ball Cactus • Golden Tower Cactus
Plant Type: Cactus
Pot Size: 6.5 cm
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Growth Habit: Initially globular, becoming upright and columnar, occasionally producing offsets
Mature Size: Approximately 60–100 cm tall × 10–15 cm wide per stem
Care Guide
☀️ Light:
Prefers very bright light with several hours of direct sunlight. In Malta, gradually acclimatise young plants to strong sunlight and provide some protection from intense summer afternoon sun.
💧 Watering:
Water thoroughly during the growing season, allowing the compost to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during winter when growth slows, and avoid prolonged wet conditions.
🌱 Soil:
Use a free-draining cactus and succulent compost with added mineral grit, pumice or perlite to ensure excellent drainage.
🌡 Temperature:
Best grown between 15–30°C. Protect from frost and prolonged temperatures below 5°C, particularly when the compost is damp.
🌸 Flowering
Mature plants may produce beautiful, bright yellow flowers near the crown during late spring and summer. The flowers feature delicate petals surrounding a golden centre, creating an attractive contrast against the cactus’s dense golden spines.
Flowering generally begins once the plant has developed into a more established columnar specimen.
Why You’ll Love It
✔ Beautiful golden-yellow spines covering the entire plant
✔ Attractive rounded shape that becomes columnar with age
✔ Produces vibrant yellow flowers when mature
✔ Easy to care for and drought tolerant
✔ Develops an impressive golden tower appearance
✔ Perfect for beginners and cactus collectors alike
Care Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
A relatively low-maintenance cactus that thrives with plenty of light, excellent drainage and careful watering. Suitable for beginners and experienced collectors alike.
Pet Safety: 🐾 Use Caution Around Pets
Notocactus leninghausii is not generally regarded as toxic to cats or dogs, although species-specific toxicity information is limited. However, its numerous spines can cause irritation or injury if touched or chewed. Keep out of reach of curious pets and young children.
Good to Know
Although commonly sold as Notocactus leninghausii, this species is also widely recognised under the botanical name Parodia leninghausii.
Young specimens are usually rounded, but as they mature, they gradually develop their characteristic upright, cylindrical shape. Older plants may also produce offsets around the base, eventually forming attractive clusters of golden columns.
The dense golden spines help protect the cactus from intense sunlight while giving it its distinctive ornamental appearance. Despite looking relatively soft, the spines can still prick the skin, so handle with care.
With patience and suitable growing conditions, this long-lived cactus can become an impressive specimen over many years.
Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.
The Price is per one individual plant.
