Care of the cactus Gymnocalycium baldianum or Dwarf chin cactus |
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The genus Gymnocalycium, family Cactaceae, comprises 60 species of cacti native to South America. Some species are: Gymnocalycium baldianum, Gymnocalycium saglionis, Gymnocalycium damsii, Gymnocalycium mostii, Gymnocalycium denudatum, Gymnocalycium pflanzii, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, Gymnocalycium andreae, Gymnocalycium platense. Common name: Dwarf chin cactus. Scientific synonyms: Echinocactus baldianus. This species is native to Catamarca, Argentina. They are small globular cacti with a flattened apex that reach 13 cm (5.11") in height. They have 9-11 ribs with tubercles and 5-7 radial spines. The attractive flowers are purple, red, or pink. Young specimens can bloom. They bloom in early summer. The fruits are green. They are used in pots and in mini gardens for cacti and succulents. They are used in rockeries in frost-free regions. Gymnocalycium baldianum prefers a semi-shady exposure and a hot, dry climate. It's important that in winter the temperature is not lower than 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of coarse sand, vegetable substrate and peat. Water moderately waiting for the substrate to be dry; once a week in regions with a Mediterranean climate. In winter do not water. Fertilize with mineral cactus fertilizer in early spring and early summer. They do not need pruning. Young specimens can be attacked by mealybugs; they are sensitive to excess moisture. They propagate from suckers or from seeds sown in the nursery in late winter or early spring. |
Images of the cactus Gymnocalycium baldianum or Dwarf chin cactus |
 Gymnocalycium baldianum  Gymnocalycium baldianum  Gymnocalycium baldianum  Gymnocalycium baldianum  Gymnocalycium baldianum  Gymnocalycium baldianum |