Scientific Name
Gymnocalycium ochoterenae Backeb.
Synonym(s)
Gymnocalycium ochoterenae subsp. ochoterenae
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Gymnocalycium
Description
Gymnocalycium ochoterenae is a small cactus with a gray-green, olive-green, or brownish stem with 9 to 12 ribs. The stem can grow up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) tall and 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. Each areole usually bears three spines that are straight to slightly curved, brownish-yellow to whitish-yellow with a darker tip, and can grow up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long.
The flowers are funnel-shaped, white with a pale pink throat, and can measure up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) long and 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are barrel-shaped, green to dull red, and can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter.
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 it, it will lose flowers.
The balance of the potting medium should be sufficient to allow proper 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 allows the compost to dry out before rewatering. Watering in the winter months 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Gymnocalycium.
Origin
Gymnocalycium ochoterenae is native to Argentina.
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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