In today's publication I bring you a small summary of cultivation of a popular genus of cactus, Gymnocalycium spp. This genus has more than 60 known species native to the American continent (South America) and are cultivated throughout the world as collection plants. They are generally globose to columnar cacti of small size and very prolific with showy and large blooms. Among the most popular species are G. denudatum, G. horstii and G. mihanovichii (in their variegated variants). This last species is usually sold mainly fully variegated with colorations on the stem ranging from yellow to red or purple. These variants always require grafting since they do not have chlorophyll to carry out photosynthesis.
Below are some representatives of the Gymnocalycium genus in my collection:
The general cultivation requirements of these cacti are:
- Partial exposure to sunlight or direct if it does not receive the midday sun.
- Irrigation every 7-10 days if high temperatures prevail.
- 60-70% mineral substrate to facilitate rapid drainage of irrigation water.
- Temperatures that oscillate between 22⁰C-30⁰C for much of the year. Do not expose to temperatures below 2⁰C for long days.
- Mainly affected by mealybugs, aphids, mites, insect larvae, nematodes and pathogenic fungi.
- Transplant to a new pot every two years and treat roots damaged by time.
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