Dwarf Chin Cactus

Dwarf Chin Cactus Care

Gymnocalycium baldianum

What is the plant

Dwarf Chin Cactus is a small cactus that belongs to the Cactaceae family and comes from the temperate climate of Argentina. In its natural environment, it grows near rocky mountains and in grassy areas, where it can be found with other representatives or alone. It is important to note that commercial harvesting and forest fires pose a threat to the cactus, which is why it is on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Gymnocalycium baldianum is easily identified by its flattened stem that has a gray-green hue and grows up to 4 in (10 cm) tall and up to 5.2 in (13 cm) in diameter.

There are up to 11 pronounced ribs on the stem, which in turn are divided into tubercles with 7 radial spikes of a grayish shade. Flowering occurs in spring and summer, followed by pinkish-purple to deep red funnel-shaped flowers up to 2.5 in (6 cm) in diameter. As for the fruits, they are dark green and few.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

15°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

8b - 11b

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water the plant approximately once every 10-15 days after the top layer of soil has completely dried.
Pruning
The cactus does not require pruning, but you can remove faded flowers to encourage new growth.
Fertilizer
Once in the spring and summer, use a special mineral fertilizer for cacti according to the instructions on the package.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Dwarf Chin Cactus needs 4 to 6 hours of indirect sunlight per day, as too much light can burn and cause growth problems.
Soil
A well-drained potting mix for cacti is best.
Propagation
Cut off the offset from the plant with a disinfected blade, then dip it in the rooting hormone and set it aside for a few days in a dry place. Plant in well-drained soil with proper care.

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Temperature
The best temperature for Gymnocalycium baldianum is 59-86˚F (15-30°C).
Container
A container made of any material with one large or several small drainage holes will do.
Fun fact
The name of the cactus appeared after the famous Italian-Argentinean botanist Carlo Luigi Spegazzini described it in 1905, naming it after his assistant Baldi, who helped in many studies.