Scientific Name
Gymnocalycium baldianum (Speg.) Speg.
Common Name(s)
Dwarf Chin Cactus, Dwarf Chin
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus baldianus, Gymnocalycium platense var. baldianum
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Gymnocalycium
Etymology
The specific epithet "baldianum" (pronounced "bald-ee-AY-num") honors J. Baldi, an acquaintance and supporter of Carlos Luis Spegazzini.
Origin
Gymnocalycium baldianum is native to Argentina (Catamarca Province).
Description
Gymnocalycium baldianum is a small cactus with a spherical or slightly flat, usually solitary stem with 9 to 10 broad ribs lined with clusters of 5 to 7 bristle-like radial spines. The stem can grow up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are typically purple-red or occasionally pinkish-purple, as well as pink, orange, or white. They are funnel-shaped, appear in early summer, and can reach a diameter of up to 1.6 inches (4 cm).
How to Grow and Care for Gymnocalycium baldianum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 8b to 11b: from 15°F (-9.4°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Some Gymnocalyciums are shade-seeking in the wild, growing among shrubs or grasses, while others grow completely exposed. Therefore, some plants will need light shading from the sun in the hottest months, but overdoing this will result in the loss of flowers.
The potting medium's balance should be sufficient to allow good drainage so that the plants do not sit in soggy soil for more than a day or two after watering.
Watering in the summer months while the plants are growing well can be frequent (weekly for small plants in small pots), but always allow the compost to dry out before watering again. Watering in the winter months is unwise and unnecessary. The difficult times are spring and autumn.
Those species that produce offsets can be readily propagated by cuttings. Gymnocalycium seeds germinate well when fresh and can be stored for a few years in cold conditions.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Gymnocalycium.
Links
- Back to genus Gymnocalycium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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