0Gymnocalycium – 15
Gymnocalycium Pfeiff.
Genus – the data refers to the whole genus Gymnocalycium, not to a single species.
- Taxonomy
- Family: Cactaceae · Genus: Gymnocalycium1
Gymnocalycium, commonly called chin cactus, is a genus of about 70 South American species of cactus. The genus name Gymnocalycium refers to the flower buds bearing no hair or spines. In a 2023 classification of the tribe Cereeae, it was placed as the only genus in the subtribe Gymnocalyciinae, having formerly been placed in the subtribe Rebutiinae.
Still missing: plant type, native distribution, natural habitat, height / growth form, flowering period, growth & dormancy period.
Sources (6)
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy – Gymnocalycium · Scientific name · CC BY 4.0
- Wikidata – Q131641 · CC0
- Wikimedia Commons – Gymnocalcium baldianium.jpg · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Wikipedia (hu) – Kelyheskaktusz · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Wikipedia (de) – Gymnocalycium · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Wikipedia (en) – Gymnocalycium · CC BY-SA 4.0
Automatic data comes from the open sources above, credited per their licences. Care experience is shown separately below.
Tips & experience from members
What worked for you? Your plant’s growing conditions are attached automatically, so others can see who it works for.
No tips for this species yet – be the first to share what worked for you!
How members water it
Not enough logs yet: at least 3 plants with regular watering logs are needed (now: 0). Waterings logged in Care feed this – anonymised and aggregated.
How it thrives
Waterlow
Lightbright indirect
Humiditylow
Min. temperature8 °CJanuary
Don’t water – dry winter rest. Slight shrivelling is normal.
No feeding now.
Cool and bright, 8–15 °C: unheated room, stairwell, cold windowsill or frost-free greenhouse.
February
Don’t water – dry winter rest. Slight shrivelling is normal.
No feeding now.
Cool and bright, 8–15 °C: unheated room, stairwell, cold windowsill or frost-free greenhouse.
March
Gentle start: the first small drink once you see buds or new growth and it warms up.
First weak dose at the end of the month if it is actively growing.
Bright spot, east or west window.
Move it somewhere brighter and warmer and end wintering. Get it used to strong sun gradually.
If roots fill the pot: fresh soil, a pot 1–2 cm larger. Water sparingly for a week afterwards.
April
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry.
Cactus fertiliser once a month at half strength.
Bright spot, east or west window.
If roots fill the pot: fresh soil, a pot 1–2 cm larger. Water sparingly for a week afterwards.
It flowers next month – once you see buds, don’t move it any more.
May
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry.
Cactus fertiliser once a month at half strength.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
After mid-May (last frosts) it can go outside – keep it in partial shade for the first 1–2 weeks to avoid sunburn.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
June
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Cactus fertiliser once a month at half strength.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
July
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Cactus fertiliser once a month at half strength.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
August
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Cactus fertiliser once a month at half strength.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
September
Deeply, but only once the soil is completely dry.
No feeding now.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
Bring it in when nights drop below 13 °C. Check for pests first.
October
Taper off gradually: very little by the end of the month.
No feeding now.
Bright spot, east or west window.
Move it to its cool, bright winter spot and taper off watering. Log it with one click in the Care hub.
November · now
Don’t water – dry winter rest. Slight shrivelling is normal.
No feeding now.
Cool and bright, 8–15 °C: unheated room, stairwell, cold windowsill or frost-free greenhouse.
December
Don’t water – dry winter rest. Slight shrivelling is normal.
No feeding now.
Cool and bright, 8–15 °C: unheated room, stairwell, cold windowsill or frost-free greenhouse.
Unlike most cacti it dislikes harsh midday sun – bright filtered light is ideal.
Gymnocalycium – what to know
Gymnocalycium: a plant genus (Cactaceae). Care guidelines: light: bright indirect; water: low; min. 8 °C. It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Gymnocalycium?
Sparingly: let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and water even less in winter.
How much light does Gymnocalycium need?
It likes bright but indirect light, such as near an east- or west-facing window.
How cold can Gymnocalycium get?
Keep it above 8 °C – it is frost-tender and needs a frost-free spot in winter.
Is Gymnocalycium toxic to cats and dogs?
It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
When does Gymnocalycium flower?
Typical flowering time: May, June, July, August.
What members’ data shows
When does it really bloom?
No blooms logged yet. If yours flowers, your data will be the first!
Average watering interval
Not enough watering logs yet. Waterings logged in the care hub feed this chart.
Questions about this species
Data sources: GBIF.org – Gymnocalycium (CC BY 4.0) · Wikidata – Q131641 (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons – Gymnocalcium baldianium.jpg (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Wikipedia – Kelyheskaktusz (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Care data is for guidance only.
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