Gymnocalycium baldianum

El Gymnocalycium baldianum It is one of the most common but at the same time the most decorative cacti that we can find in nurseries and, of course, in collections… and in our patios. And it is that, in addition to resisting high temperatures, sporadic frosts do not hurt too much.

As if that weren't enough, it takes up little space and is good to take from seed. Would you like to get one? Well, you know where to go  , but first of all I recommend that you learn everything about him by reading his file.

How is it?

Gymnocalycium baldianum It is the scientific name of a cactus native to Argentina, where it grows at heights between 500 and 2000 meters above sea level. It was described by Carlos Luis Spegazzini and published in Annals of the Argentine Scientific Society in 1925. It is popularly known as dwarf chin cactus.

It is a small plant, with a bluish-green globose stem 4 to 10 cm high and 6-7 cm in diameter.. It has 9-11 ribs that are divided between tubercles. The areoles are white, and 5-7 radial spines 1,5cm long that are gray-brown sprout from them. The flowers, which bloom in summer, are red, purple or white and are 3-5cm in diameter. And the fruit is dark grayish-green.

What are their cares?

The dwarf chin cactus is a succulent cactus that is hard not to acquire. Either because of the color of its thorns or that of its flowers, or both, it is one of those species that earn their own corner on the shelf, table, or even on the rockery if we like the ones that are rather small. So how do you take care of it?

Well, each person based on their experience will recommend one thing or another, but in Ciber Cactus I will advise you the following:

Location

It is a plant that It must be kept outside, in full sun. But be careful: if where you bought it they did not have it protected, you should get used to it little by little, starting in autumn or early spring, which is when the insolation is not so strong and there is less risk of burning. Here you have more information about it.

Earth

It will depend on whether you have it in the garden or in a container:

• Garden soil: loose, with good drainage. If not, make a 50cm x 50cm planting hole and fill it with equal parts black peat mixed with perlite.
• Flower pot: put a first layer of arlite or volcanic clay, and then fill it with universal cultivation substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts.

Irrigation

How often do you have to water a cactus? And how? The truth is that it depends a lot on the species, its location, the climate. But for the case at hand, it will have to be done an average of 2-3 times a week during the warmest season of the year, and every 7-10 days the rest. In autumn and, above all, winter, water little: once a month.

You should never wet the cactus, only the soil, otherwise it could rot.

Subscriber

Apart from water, the Gymnocalycium baldianum it is a plant that needs »food» in spring and summer. Therefore, it will be fertilized with mineral fertilizers, such as Blue nitrophoska. One or two small tablespoons every 15 days will be enough for it to grow and develop well, and to flower.

Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds in spring-summer. The way to proceed is as follows:

1. The first thing to do is fill a low-rise pot or a cork tray that will have some holes made in the base for drainage, with universal growing medium.
2. Afterwards, it is watered consciously.
3. Then, the seeds are sown, ensuring that they are not piled up.
4. They are then covered with sand with previously washed river sand.
5. Finally, the seedbed is placed outside, in semi-shade.

They germinate in 2 or 3 weeks, a month maximum.

Pruning

Don't need it. Maybe take away wilted flowers and nuts when you have them, but nothing more. Some people take advantage of transplants to check their roots and cut those that are dry and / or black, but it is not essential.

Planting or transplanting time

In spring, when the risk of frost has passed. Transplant to a larger pot or renew the substrate every 2 years.

Plagues and diseases

It's very tough, although you have to watch the mealybugs and molluscs (snails and slugs). As it is a small plant, a brush soaked in pharmacy alcohol usually solves the problem in a little while. If not, sprinkle on the plant and substrate diatomaceous earth with a little water, as if you were adding salt, and you will see how it improves.

Rusticity

From experience I will tell you that resists weak and occasional frosts down to -1,5ºC. By "on time" I mean once or twice a year. For this reason, if it is colder in your area, I recommend keeping it indoors, in a bright room until spring returns.

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