The monstrous shape of this cactaceae has abnormalities/ asymmetries of the shape or lack of thorns that make it unique in its kind because these anomalies will never be identical in plants. In addition to this, N. odieri also has yellowish and reddish shades due to the lack of chlorophyll and overall these two characteristics make the plant much sought after by collectors. In its normal form it is a globe-shaped cactus slightly depressed at the apex where a white fluff is created. It has numerous protruding tubercles above which are the white and woolly areoles The stem is greyish green but with a prolonged exposure to the sun and over time tends to vary its coloring in purple and dark green. Its inflorescences have a funnel shape as a type of this family, with colors that can vary from shades of pink to those of yellow.