Cool and easy to grow Gymnocalycium Origin, origin and how to grow.

Gymnocalycium is one of the most robust species to manage.

It is a cool and varied species with a very good balance of both ornamental and collecting value.

Origin

Derived from the Greek ‘gymnòs’ (naked) and ‘càlyx’ (calyx), referring to the calyx of a flower which is ‘naked’ as it has no protective scales or hairs.

Habitat

The genus Gymnocalycium includes numerous globular cacti, which are widely distributed, mainly in South America.

source：https://uk.inaturalist.org

Features

It is generally dark green and can reach various sizes from 2-3 cm to 40-50 cm, depending on the species.

Larger species grow taller and are oval in shape.

They have nodules on their stems, each with a spinous locus.

The ‘areole’ is a button-shaped bud with spines, typical of cacti.

Gymnocalycium spines are generally curved and tough.

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Flowers are large and, depending on the species, variegated and brightly coloured, including white, pink, yellow, orange and red.

The flowers are considered to bloom in spring and summer, but depending on management they can bloom many times throughout the year.

source：https://uk.inaturalist.org

Type

Gymnocalycium has several species.

G.achirasense
G.andreae
G.anisitsii
G.baldianum
G.bayrianum
G.bodenbenderianum
G.bruchii
G.cardenasianum
G.damsii
G.denudatum
G.gibbosum
G.horstii
G.leeanum
G.mazanense
G.mihanovichii
G.monvillei
G.multiflorum
G.ochoterenae
G.pflanzii
G.quehlianum
G.saglionis
G.spegazzinii
G.stellatum
G.vatteri

Farming

Avoid direct sunlight and choose a well-lit area.

If necessary, cover plants with sun cloth to prevent sunburn.

Keep Gymnocalycium a few degrees above 0°C.

Water every 3-4 days in spring and summer, less frequently in autumn and completely drained in winter.

Use a well-drained growing medium containing sand, gravel or peat.Standard cactus soils are best.

The need for replanting depends on the species.

Gymnocalycium generally reproduce by seed, but also by oyster mushrooms.

source：https://uk.inaturalist.org