Scientific Name
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii (Fric ex Gürke) Britton & Rose
Common Name(s)
Chin Cactus, Plaid Cactus
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus mihanovichii, Gymnocalycium friedrichii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Gymnocalycium
Description
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is a dwarf cactus with a solitary spherical stem with deep ribs and prominent roller-shaped thickening around areoles that bear clusters of sharp spines. It is very variable in the distribution and arrangement of spines and the color of the flowers. The stem slowly grows to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall and 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. The silky flowers range from white, yellowish-white, and pale green to pink and brownish-yellow and appear in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Some Gymnocalyciums are shade-seeking in the wild, among shrubs or grasses, while others grow completely exposed. Therefore, some will need light shading from the sun in the hottest months, but to overdo, 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 nearly dry out before rewatering. Watering in the winter months at all is unwise and certainly not necessary. The difficult times are spring and autumn.
Those species which produce offsets can be readily propagated by cuttings. Gymnocalycium seed germinates well when fresh and will keep for a few years if stored in cold conditions. See more at How to Grow and Care for Gymnocalycium.
Origin
This species is native to Paraguay (Paraguayan Chaco).
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Gymnocalycium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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