Giant Chin Cactus

Family

Cactaceae

Native

Argentina

Description

Gymnocalycium saglionis is a cactus with a solitary, spherical, more or less has flattened, globose with 10-30 or more tubercle ribs, and clusters long, spreading and often curved spines that are white to rich brown in colour, contrasting beautifully against greyish green body of the cactus.

Broad, funnel-shaped, pale pink flowers 2cm across appear in early summer.

Environment

Gymnocalycium tolerates extremely bright situations but enjoys filtered sunlight or afternoon shade, inside it needs bright light, and some direct sun. Tends to bronze in strong light, which encourages flowering and heavy spine production, but is likely to suffer from sun scorch or stunted growth if over exposed to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day in summer. The soil is usually a rich sandy loam. Rains are frequent during the summer.

Needs moderate to copious waterings in summer, but do not overwater. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer.

Landscape Uses

It is an excellent plant for garden rockery settings, desert type landscapes, patios and botanical gardens