Gymnocalycium saglionis

El Gymnocalycium saglionis It is a globular cactus with sharp spines that give it a wonderful ornamental value. In addition, it withstands short dry spells well, so it can go several days without receiving a single drop of water.

As if that were not enough, it produces flowers of good size. So why not get one? Then you will be able to find out what care to be given so that nothing is missing.

Origin and characteristics of Gymnocalycium saglionis

El Gymnocalycium saglionis It is an endemic cactus from Argentina that has a semi-spherical shape. Its body has between 15 and 30 straight or spiral ribs, and its areolae sprout 10 to 15 radial spines and between 2 and 5 central yellowish or brownish spines with a length of 2 to 4 centimeters. The flowers sprout at the top, and are tubular, 3-4,5 centimeters in diameter, and white or pale pink.. And the fruits are sphere-shaped, reddish or brownish in color, and are between 2 and 4,5 centimeters long.

If we talk about the adult size of the cactus, we must know that measures a height of 20 to 30 centimeters, and has a diameter of 20 to 40 centimeters. In addition, it is typical of this species that it becomes a bit columnar as the years go by.

What are their cares?

This is a fairly common cactus in nurseries, and also in collections. It is very easy to take care of, almost as much as the mother-in-law's seat (Echinocactus grusonii), but with the extra added that you can always have it in a pot, unlike the E.grussonii. But, let's see in detail how to take care of it:

Location

El Gymnocalycium saglionis It is a kind of cactus that It must be kept outside the home, in full sun. But it is important that you get used to it before, otherwise you will burn.

Since it doesn't really grow much, it can be grown in pots or in the garden. Now, if you choose to plant it in the ground, we recommend that it be in a rockery or in a corner where it is clearly visible. This way, you can prevent herbs from hiding it.

Earth

• Flower pot: the substrate to be used must be light and porous. It is a cactus that will not withstand waterlogging, since it needs its roots to be aerated. For this reason, I advise planting it on the pumice only (for sale No products found.), or mixed with 30% peat. Another option is to mix peat with perlite in equal parts, and add a little quartz sand to it.
• Garden: As for the garden soil, it also has to have good drainage, that is, it does not have to flood easily. In the event that this is not the case, a 50 x 50 centimeter hole must be made and filled with some substrate mentioned above.

Irrigation

Irrigation has to be low. Basically you have to water when the soil has completely dried. But when it's time to do it, you have to pour water until all the soil is thoroughly soaked, since this will reach all the roots and, therefore, they can be hydrated.

The best water is rainwater, but if you can't get it for whatever reason, use bottled water. Another option is to fill a container with tap water, let it sit for a few hours and the next day use the one in the upper half.

Subscriber

El Gymnocalycium saglionis is a plant to which it is highly recommended to pay throughout the spring and summer season, especially when planted in a pot with poor substrates such as the pumice. And it is that, if it were not paid, it would end up weakening.

To avoid this, you can use a cactus fertilizer, liquid or granulated. It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging, as otherwise the roots could burn.

Transplant

Transplant it will be done in spring, when the frosts have finished, and only if it has run out of space in the pot (you will know this easily, since it has a rounded shape, you just have to wait for its roots to brush, touch or exceed the edge of said container).

When you go to do it, put on gardening gloves to protect your hands. Then, take the pot where you have the cactus and lay it on a table, and carefully extract the plant. Then picking up the Gymnocalycium saglionis Because of the root bread, you can plant it in the garden or in another pot with ease.

Once it's in its new home, wait a few days to water it.

Pests

It is quite resistant, but can be affected by mealybugs when the environment is very dry. Remove them with a small brush soaked in water and diluted neutral soap. If they reappear, use diatomaceous earth or an anti-mealybug insecticide.

Rusticity

Withstands frosts down to -2ºC without being damaged. But if there is usually hail in your area, it is better to protect it during its youth.

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