Gone, But Not Forgotten

After this Parodia magnifica bloomed last spring, I decided to transplant it from its pot into my garden. I had a perfect place for it in front of a landscape boulder. It would receive the afternoon shade requisite to many cactus plants in our Zone 9b. All was well until mid-summer. During an especially intense hot spell, it became evident that this cactus was not going to make it. Its skin was burned badly, and within a couple of weeks, it had completely dried up.

Perhaps I under watered it. This particular cactus needs regular water in summer, and I may have underestimated its needs. When it was potted, I watered it once a week in summer, and kept it dry in winter. Usually potted cactus requires more water than when placed in the garden, so I only watered it every couple of weeks.

With its fine, hair like spines, symmetrical ribs and gorgeous yellow flowers, I've always loved the P. magnifica. I hated to see it go. If I see another nice specimen this coming spring when I start shopping for new cacti to add to my collection, I plan to replace this departed cactus. This time, it will remain in a pot.