Gymnocalycium mihanovichii image • Photo: Author Petar43• CC BY-SA 3.0
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is a small, broad-spherical cactus with a gray-green body that often develops reddish hues. It grows 3-5 cm tall and wide, featuring 8 narrow-edged ribs with 5-6 flexible, curved grayish-yellow spines up to 1 cm long. Notable for its chlorophyll-deficient mutants that display vibrant red, orange, or yellow pigmentation, these variants require grafting onto green cacti like Hylocereus to survive. The plant produces 4-5 cm bell-shaped yellowish-olive flowers with light green stamens and a yellowish stigma.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light; avoid direct harsh sunlight
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Infrequent watering; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
Humidity Needs
low humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
Native Climate
Native to Paraguay and northeast Argentina
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-draining cactus/succulent mix
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Gymnocalycium mihanovichii plants
Offset cuttings or grafting
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Paraguay and northeast Argentina
slow
3-5 cm in height and diameter
Perennial
Pet safety unknown
Indoor Blooming
This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.
Flower Description
4-5 cm long bell-shaped to funnel-shaped flowers in yellowish-olive to light olive green shades with light green stamens and yellowish stigma
Fun Fact
The colorful 'Moon Cactus' mutants were first called 'Hibotan' and cannot survive without grafting due to their complete lack of chlorophyll.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Separation between scion and rootstock due to uneven growth rates
Inability to photosynthesize in mutant cultivars
Mushy base or discoloration from overwatering
Varieties
Different varieties of Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Totally chlorophyll-free mutant with vibrant red, orange, or yellow pigmentation
Partially chlorophyll-deficient cultivar with anthocyanin-rich brown coloration
Modern hybrid with unique pink pigmentation patterns
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
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