Care of the cactus Gymnocalycium gibbosum or Black Chin Cactus |
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The genus Gymnocalycium, family Cactaceae, includes more than 60 species of cacti native to South America. Some species are: Gymnocalycium gibbosum, Gymnocalycium spegazzinii, Gymnocalycium saglionis, Gymnocalycium damsii, Gymnocalycium baldianum, Gymnocalycium mostii, Gymnocalycium denudatum, Gymnocalycium schickendantzii, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, Gymnocalycium schroederianum, Gymnocalycium vatteri, Gymnocalycium andreae, Gymnocalycium pflanzii, Gymnocalycium platense. Scientific synonyms: Echinocactus gibbosus, Cereus gibbosus. This species is native to Argentina. Gymnocalycium gibbosum is a small, flattened, globose, solitary, dark green cactus that reaches 20 cm (7.87") in height; it sometimes produces shoots. It has 8-12 ribs and oval areoles with 7-15 radial spines and 0-4 dark-colored central spines that turn gray with age. The large white flowers appear at the apex of the plant and measure 5 cm in diameter. Due to its size, Black Chin Cactus is usually used in deep pots as a patio, terrace or indoor plant next to a window. Gymnocalycium gibbosum prefers semi-shade exposure, receiving direct sunlight in the afternoon and avoiding it during the central hours of the day. Although it resists occasional frost, it is better that in winter the temperature does not fall below 0 ºC (32 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti with 25% coarse sand. Black Chin Cactus does not tolerate calcareous soils. Always water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. In summer, water once a week and do not water during the winter. Fertilize once a month in summer with mineral fertilizer for cacti. Pruning is not necessary. Gymnocalycium gibbosum is a plant that is quite resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to cold, excess humidity and poor ventilation if grown as an indoor plant. Black Chin Cactus is propagated from seeds sown at the end of winter in a sandy seedbed (without direct sunlight) and by separating shoots. |
Images of the cactus Gymnocalycium gibbosum or Black Chin Cactus |
 Gymnocalycium gibbosum  Gymnocalycium gibbosum |