What is a gymnocalycium?
Gymnocalycium is a genus composed of 70 small South American globular species of cacti known for their flowers. Gymnocalycium was first named in 1845, which is commonly called Chin Cactus. The size of these cacts is about 1.5 to 7 inches (5 to 17.5 cm) in height, with a diameter on the largest types reaches 12 inches (30 cm).
Colors can vary very much in the gymnocalycia - from light green to almost gray - and their textures can be glossy or pads. Some species grow with a surface into the soil and others produce small shoots or "puppies" from the main plant. Most species have cylindrical stems. The ribs of the cactus create the appearance of chin, giving the plant nickname. The flowers range from 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm). Flowers do not have pins or bristles, but are smooth. The species of the genus Gymnocalycium flowers easily, but plants must receive at least half a day of bright light to bloom.
popular for cultivation are plants in the type of gymnocalycium among the most popular roomEntile plants and often part of the rock garden display. Gymnocalycium species often find in department stores at a very low price. They are often sold as news.
The most popular of the cultivated species is Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii , a mutant often called Moon Cactus. This species lacks chlorophyll and is colored in brilliant red, orange and yellow. He misses chlorophyll so he cannot complete the photosynthesis. He dies like seedlings if he is not grafted on another cactus that has chlorophyll and is capable of photosynthesis. The display is usually on the bottom of the vertical cultivation of the green cactusnacera round, brilliantly colored red or yellow cactus.
In the winter months, plants should be kept in a warm sunny area inside, but not in direct sunlight. In the summer the gymnocalycium cacti is best when it is held in a protected place outside but where it canou to get a lot of sunlight. In hot weather they need water every few days, but they should only be connected to dry the soil during the winter.
These plants are promoted by seed, cutting or moving the stems. Cacti are sensitive to Meal errors and mites from red spiders and sciara flying sometimes attack seedlings. If they are overwhelmed, these caches are susceptible to fungal disorders.