Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum x hybrid

Gymnocalycium intertextum

Family

Cactaceae

Native

Argentina

Description

Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum grows with stems in the form of grayish-green discs, which barely protrude above the surface of the ground and reach diameters up to 8 cm and a height of 2 to 3 cm. The 11 to 15 ribs are rounded and clearly tuberculated. The three to seven spines are curved backwards, blackish brown and turn gray with age. They are up to 10 mm long. The pale pink flowers are 3.5 to 6 cm long & the tube is narrow. The fruits are blue and green ovoids up to 2 cm long (or longer) and have diameters up to 1 cm.

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