Scientific Name
Gymnocalycium paediophilum F.Ritter
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Gymnocalycium
Description
Gymnocalycium paediophilum is a small cactus with pale green stems with 7 to 10 ribs lined with areoles that bear clusters of spines. It branches profusely from the base. The stems are spherical to short cylindrical and can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall and 4.8 inches (12 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears one central spine and 5 to 9 radial spines. The radial spines are reddish-brown, becoming grey with a brownish tip as they mature, measuring up to 1.2 inches (30 cm) long, while the central spine is grey with a darker brownish tip, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long.
The flowers are white to pale pink with a reddish throat and can reach up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in length and diameter. They appear in summer, followed by oval to spherical, green to blue-green fruits.
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. Some will, therefore, need light shading from the sun in the hottest months, but to overdo, this will result in the loss of flowers.
The balance of the potting medium 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 allows the compost to dry out nearly 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 paediophilum is native to Paraguay. It occurs at Cerro León, a zone of hills in the department of Alto Paraguay.
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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