The 'Ball' shape
Degree of difficulty: easy
Special requirements: none
We can see very clearly the difference between the 'trailing' shape and this one. It is more about 'trunks' than stems that stand out distinctly from each other. Because of their stature, the trunks can not 'run' on the soil because they are not flexible like the stems of the 'trailing' shape.
The 'ball' shape varieties form crown on trunks that will remain relatively clustered and give the appearance of a ball to the plant. This is in my opinion the easiest shape to cultivate and manipulate.
The varieties most often encountered in this shape are the standards. There are some miniatures and semiminiatures varieties, but they are rather rare.
The ideal containers for the standard varieties are the regular PAN pot and the cut PAN at the 1st level. For smaller varieties, it is best to leave them in 5 "PAN pots, so the plan will be at its best.
On the other hand, if you absolutely want to bring a small variety with this shape in a larger container, you will have to use the PAN cut at the 2nd level so as to obtain a height between the PAN cut at the 1st level and the saucer, so not to unbalance the whole plant and container. Remember the first rule!
Small varieties
5" PAN
Standards
Regular PAN
Lages Semiminiatures
PAN cut at the 2nd level
Wrong example
plant/container
Here are some examples of varieties for the 3 types of containers.
| 5" PAN | REGULAR PAN | PAN CUT AT THE 2ND LEVEL |
| Pink Mint, semiminiature | Tatoo, standard | Barbara Jane Trail, standard |
| T-Mine, small standard | Kesha, standard | Sema, standard |
| Leelayl, standard |
Fun Trail, semiminiature |
Tatoo
Kesha
Leelayl