Gymnocalycium stellatum

Scientific Name

Gymnocalycium stellatum (Speg.) Speg.

Synonym(s)

Gymnocalycium stellatum subsp. stellatum, Gymnocalycium asterium, Gymnocalycium obductum

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Gymnocalycium

Description

Gymnocalycium stellatum is a beautiful slow-growing cactus with a flattened-globose, usually solitary stem with 7 to 11 ribs and 3 to 5 spines per areole. The stem is dark grayish-brown to olive green and up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The spines are dark brown becoming grey with age, straight to slightly curved, and flattened against the stem. Flowers are creamy-white with a dull red throat and appear in late spring. They are up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) long and up to 1.8 inches (4.5 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. Some will, therefore, need a 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 allow the compost nearly to 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.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Gymnocalycium.

Origin

This species is native to Argentina.

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