About
A small, globe-shaped, smooth, green cactus to around 15cm in height, with stiff grey-white spines., which may develop an orange-purple tint if grown in full sunlight. Large, white flowers with a hint of pink in the centre, are produced in summer, even on young plants. A very easy to care for cactus.
About the genus
Gymnocalycium can be spherical or cylindrical cacti, with ribs divided into rounded, spiny tubercles, and funnel-shaped flowers in early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toBolivia to Paraguay
Care notes
CultivationGrow in cactus compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely in spring and summer, applying a low nitrogen fertiliser every month. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate from seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free