Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Also known as: Moon cactus (grafted forms)
The 'moon cactus' sold in shops is the red/orange chlorophyll-free form grafted onto a green stock. It belongs to the Gymnocalycium genus, comes from Paraguay/Argentina, stays around Ball 5–8 cm, and tolerates USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Gymnocalycium
- Origin: Paraguay/Argentina
- Mature size: Ball 5–8 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C
- Toxicity: Spines curved and manageable
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Gymnocalycium
- Origin
- Paraguay/Argentina
- Mature size
- Ball 5–8 cm
- Growth habit
- Small ribbed ball, often grafted onto green stock in red/orange forms
- Leaf colour
- Brown-green to red ribbed ball (red forms lack chlorophyll and need a graft)
- Flower colour
- Pale pink-white
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C
- Toxicity
- Spines curved and manageable
- Other names
- Moon cactus (grafted forms)
About the Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
The 'moon cactus' sold in shops is the red/orange chlorophyll-free form grafted onto a green stock. Ungrafted plants are green and grow normally. Bright light, gritty mix, dry winter.
Care and cultivation
Grow in a fast-draining gritty mix with bright light and morning sun. Water deeply only when bone dry. Remove spent stalks and dried lower leaves; handle leaves by the stem to protect the farina. Light: Bright light with morning sun; colour deepens with light. Water: Soak-and-dry; every 10–14 days in growth. Soil: Fast-draining cactus mix, 50% grit.
Description
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is a Gymnocalycium succulent from Paraguay/Argentina. The 'moon cactus' sold in shops is the red/orange chlorophyll-free form grafted onto a green stock. Ungrafted plants are green and grow normally. Bright light, gritty mix, dry winter.
Identification
Key identification features: Brown-green to red ribbed ball (red forms lack chlorophyll and need a graft) leaves in a Small ribbed ball, often grafted onto green stock in red/orange forms form, reaching Ball 5–8 cm. Also known as Moon cactus (grafted forms). Nickname: 'Moon cactus'. Nickname: 'Moon cactus'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Gymnocalycium mihanovichii?
Soak-and-dry; every 10–14 days in growth. Let the soil dry completely between waterings and reduce water in winter.
Is Gymnocalycium mihanovichii toxic to pets?
Spines curved and manageable. Considered safe around pets.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.