Plants in genus gymnocalycium
Gymnocalycium monvillei
Gymnocalycium monvillei is a globular cactus native to Argentina, known for its dark green, spherical to flattened shoots that can grow up to 10 inches in diameter. It features large white flowers with red tinges and is hardy to 18°F. This drought-tolerant cactus prefers light shade and is a striking addition to sunny gardens.
Gymnocalycium saglionis
Gymnocalycium saglionis, commonly known as the 'Giant chin cactus', is a slow-growing cactus native to northwest Argentina. It features a globular shape with long, spreading spines that can turn bright red when wet. The cactus blooms in mid-spring with pale pink flowers and produces globular, reddish fruits. It prefers warm, part shady conditions and requires good drainage to prevent sun scorch or stunted growth. This cactus is winter-dormant and can tolerate frost, making it suitable for USDA zones 9b to 11b.
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
This plant lacks chlorophyll and relies on a host plant for nutrients. It requires medium indirect sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular watering every 5-7 days, thriving in temperatures between 65-75°F and high humidity.
Gymnocalycium baldianum
Gymnocalycium baldianum is a small, round cactus native to Argentina, recognized for its red, pink, or orange funnel-shaped flowers. It has a dark gray-green to blue-green color and can grow up to 12 inches tall. This cactus is easy to cultivate, requiring well-drained soil and minimal watering in winter. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 14°F and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Gymnocalycium andreae
Gymnocalycium andreae is a low-growing, prickly cactus native to Argentina, known for its blue-green to blue-gray shoots and bright yellow flowers. It forms groups up to 15 centimeters in diameter and prefers light shade and well-drained soil. This cactus is solitary in its natural habitat but can branch basally in cultivation, making it a unique addition to cactus collections.
Gymnocalycium paraguayense
Gymnocalycium paraguayense is a summer-growing cactus species known for its rapid growth and clumping habit. It prefers a porous cactus mix and requires moderate to copious waterings in summer. This plant is somewhat frost-resistant and thrives in bright but filtered sunlight.
Gymnocalycium anisitsii
Gymnocalycium anisitsii is a cactus native to southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia, known for its light green shoots often tinged with red or purple. It features 8 to 11 ribs with pointed humps and slender, twisted spines. This plant produces white to pink funnel-shaped flowers and red, cylindrical fruits. It is drought-tolerant and prefers sunny areas with well-draining soil.
Gymnocalycium neuhuberi
Gymnocalycium neuhuberi is a cactus known for its pale violet or lilac flowers that bloom in late spring. The flowers remain open for up to twelve days and are diurnal, opening in the afternoon. This cactus is easy to cultivate, preferring very porous soil and filtered sunlight or afternoon shade.
Gymnocalycium pflanzii ssp. zegarrae
Gymnocalycium pflanzii ssp. zegarrae is a solitary or slowly clustering cactus native to Bolivia. It features a velvety appearance with thick ribs and rounded tubercles, growing up to 6 inches tall. This cactus blooms with white flowers from mid-spring to early summer and is hardy to -5°C if kept dry.
Gymnocalycium spegazzinii ssp. cardenasianum
Gymnocalycium spegazzinii ssp. cardenasianum is a small cactus native to Argentina, growing 3 to 4 centimeters in height. It produces white and rose flowers in late spring and requires well-drained soil. This plant is frost tolerant if kept dry and prefers indirect sunlight, making it a low-maintenance choice for cactus enthusiasts. Its unique form and resilience to harsh conditions make it a fascinating addition to collections.
Gymnocalycium capillense
Gymnocalycium capillense is a solitary barrel cactus native to the Cordoba region of Argentina. It features a glossy green, knobby barrel adorned with white reflexed spines and produces large white flowers in the spring. This cactus thrives in dry winter conditions without the need for protection, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. Its compact size and drought tolerance also make it suitable for container gardening in sunny locations.
Gymnocalycium amerhauseri
Gymnocalycium amerhauseri is a small cactus species from Argentina, characterized by its dark green, shiny spherical shoots. It features creamy white to light pink funnel-shaped flowers and is frost-resistant if kept dry.
Gymnocalycium schroederianum 'Bossii'
Gymnocalycium schroederianum 'Bossii' is a cactus native to Argentina and Uruguay, known for its low dark green body and short whitish spines. It produces white flowers with long tubes and grows in frequently flooded habitats. This plant is usually solitary but can form clusters in cultivation.
Gymnocalycium reductum ssp. leeanum
Gymnocalycium reductum ssp. leeanum is a small, usually solitary cactus native to Argentina. It produces white to pink flowers and is known for its 'naked calyx.' This cactus thrives in USDA zones 9b to 11, requiring light shade and regular watering in summer while being kept dry in winter. It flowers readily and profusely, with pale yellow flowers that are among the first cactus flowers each year.
Gymnocalycium horstii ssp. buenekeri
Gymnocalycium horstii ssp. buenekeri, commonly known as the Spider Cactus, is a globular cactus with pink flowers and yellow spines. It typically has a five-ribbed appearance and can clump as it grows. This cactus requires moderate to copious water in summer and is frost-resistant if kept dry in winter. It thrives in full sun to light shade and benefits from high potassium fertilizer during the growing season.
Gymnocalycium oenanthemum
Gymnocalycium oenanthemum is a short, squat cactus from Argentina, known for its shining green stems and long, curving spines. It produces pale pink to red flowers in spring and spherical fruit in summer. This cactus is frost-resistant if kept dry and prefers bright, filtered sunlight, making it ideal for rock gardens.
Gymnocalycium baldianum 'Dwarf Chin Cactus'
Gymnocalycium baldianum, or 'Dwarf Chin Cactus', is a small, drought-tolerant succulent that thrives in sunny areas. It is known for its ability to reproduce in various ways, making it a versatile addition to any cactus collection. Its compact size makes it suitable for small pots or as part of a larger succulent display.
Gymnocalycium ritterianum
Gymnocalycium ritterianum is a small cactus native to Argentina, known for its solitary to occasionally clustering growth habit. It thrives in summer with regular watering and prefers a rich, low pH substrate. This frost-resistant cactus can withstand temperatures down to 23°F and requires light shade to protect from direct sunlight.
Gymnocalycium denudatum 'Brasiliense'
Gymnocalycium denudatum 'Brasiliense', commonly known as the Spider Cactus, is a globular cactus native to southern Brazil. It features shiny cream-white flowers that bloom from mid-spring to early summer. This cactus thrives in full sun to light shade and requires average watering. It is suitable for USDA zones 9b to 11 and can be propagated through cuttings. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for small spaces.
Gymnocalycium horstii
Gymnocalycium horstii, commonly known as the 'Spider cactus,' is a globular cactus native to Brazil, resembling a loaf of bread with its squat appearance and curved spines. It produces white, pink, or pale purple flowers from mid-spring to summer and can mature to about 10 inches in size. This cactus is endangered and requires well-drained soil and a dry and soak watering method.
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii 'Hibotan'
The Moon Cactus, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii 'Hibotan', is a unique grafted cactus known for its vibrant colors, including pink, yellow, red, and orange. It typically grows up to 1 foot tall and prefers partial shade. Originating from Paraguay, this cactus is a summer grower, requiring regular watering during the warmer months and minimal watering in winter. It thrives in well-drained, porous soil and is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11. The Moon Cactus lacks chlorophyll, necessitating grafting onto another cactus for survival. It blooms with yellow flowers from spring to summer and is frost-tolerant down to 23°F.
Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum
Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum is a solitary cactus from Argentina, characterized by its dark skin and almost useless spines. It flowers readily as a young seedling, producing white to pale pink blooms from late spring to autumn. This cactus prefers bright light with some direct sun and is suitable for container growing, making it a unique addition to any collection.
Gymnocalycium taningaense
Gymnocalycium taningaense is a small cactus species with brownish-grey stems and large protruding areoles. It produces creamy-white flowers and is known for its rapid growth and ease of flowering. This plant prefers a porous cactus mix soil and bright but filtered sunlight, making it a resilient choice for cactus enthusiasts.
Gymnocalycium berchtii
Gymnocalycium berchtii is a small cactus native to Argentina, known for its flattened shoots and funnel-shaped flowers. It grows slowly with a thick taproot and thrives in well-draining soil with bright indirect light.