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How to Grow and Care for Gymnocalycium


Gymnocalycium, commonly called Chin Cactus, is a genus of about 70 South American species of cacti. The genus name Gymnocalycium (from Greek, "naked calyx") refers to the flower buds bearing no hair or spines.

Their main area of distribution is Argentina, part of Uruguay, Paraguay, southern Bolivia and part of Brazil. Most species are rather small, varying from 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) in size. In cultivation, they are popular for their easy flowering habits, and the flowers are generally brightly colored. Where temperatures fall below 50 °F (10 °C), they must be cultivated under glass with heat.

Growing Conditions

Light: Some Gymnocalyciums are shade-seeking in the wild, among shrubs or grasses, while others grow completely exposed. Some will, therefore, need a light shading from the sun in the hottest months, but to overdo, this will result in the loss of flowers.
Soil: The balance of the potting medium should be sufficient to allow good drainage so that the plants do not sit in soggy soil for more than a day or two after watering.




It is not usually necessary to graft Gymnocalyciums, except for chlorophyll-less, or strongly variegated plants. Still, it may be resorted to grow on seedlings of slow-growing species more quickly or to propagate more easily solitary or cristate plants. Flat grafting seems to be the most commonly used these days, and it is the easiest to do. The best time for grafting is when both the stock (the bottom part, usually a ceroid cactus) and the scion (the top part, i.e., the Gymnocalycium you are grafting) are actively growing, generally from about April to August.

Pests and Diseases

As much as any other cacti, Gymnocalyciums suffer from the persistent pest, mealybug, in both its forms. Gymnocalyciums, like other cacti, will suffer from fungal disorders if overwatered. Still, often only the root system will collapse, leaving you the job of cutting out any rot in the base of the plant, and dusting with a fungicide powder before rerooting.



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