Consulta Plantas

Care of the cactus Gymnocalycium vatteri or Gymnocalycium ochoterenae

The genus Gymnocalycium, family Cactaceae, includes more than 60 species of cacti native to South America. Some species are: Gymnocalycium vatteri, Gymnocalycium schroederianum, Gymnocalycium gibbosum, Gymnocalycium spegazzinii, Gymnocalycium saglionis, Gymnocalycium damsii, Gymnocalycium baldianum, Gymnocalycium mostii, Gymnocalycium denudatum, Gymnocalycium schickendantzii, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, Gymnocalycium andreae, Gymnocalycium pflanzii, Gymnocalycium platense.

Scientific synonyms: Gymnocalycium ochoterenae, Gymnocalycium intermedium. This species is native to Argentina.

Gymnocalycium vatteri is a small, globular cactus, flattened at the apex and greyish green in colour, reaching 9 cm (3.54") in diameter and 4 cm (1.57") in height. It has 11 ribs and round areoles with 1-3 curved radial spines 2 cm (0.78") long. The showy white flowers with a pink centre measure 4 cm (1.57") in diameter. It blooms in late spring and early summer.

Gymnocalycium ochoterenae is used in pots for patios, terraces and windows due to its small size.

Gymnocalycium vatteri needs semi-shade exposure, avoiding direct sunlight during the central hours of the day. It resists frosts of up to -5 ºC (23 ºF) if the substrate remains dry.

The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti; it is important that the drainage is excellent.

Gymnocalycium ochoterenae resists drought well; water every 2 weeks in spring, every 7 days in summer. Reduce watering in autumn and do not water in winter.

Fertilise once in summer with mineral fertiliser for cacti.

Gymnocalycium vatteri does not need pruning.

This plant does not present serious problems with pests and diseases but is sensitive to excess moisture in the roots.

Gymnocalycium ochoterenae is propagated from seeds sown in late winter. It does not usually produce shoots.

Images of the cactus Gymnocalycium vatteri or Gymnocalycium ochoterenae