Chlorophorus Gymnocalycium
gymnocalycium calochlorum
Also known as: ["Green Gymnocalycium"]
Overview
A small, globular cactus species native to South America, known for its greenish-grey stems and white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Gymnocalycium |
| Botanical Name: | Gymnocalycium calochlorum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, sunny location or outdoor in rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or sand for improved drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when dead growth is present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning to remove damaged or dead parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or filtered sunlight for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with dappled light if outdoors; indoors, use a south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyEasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce to monthly in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries completely between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or pumice
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; use a pot with drainage holes; avoid heavy, water-retentive soils.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C) during active growth; tolerates cooler temperatures (down to 50°F / 10°C) in dormancy but not frost.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a cactus-specific fertilizer for best results.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets; remove offsets carefully and allow them to callus before planting.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offset from parent plant.
- Allow cut end to callus for a few days.
- Plant in well-draining medium.
- Water sparingly until established.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, bright, indirect light with moderate humidity; keep soil lightly moist until roots form.
Medium
Well-draining cactus mix or sand and perlite mixture.
Hormone
Not necessary but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Offsets may root in 2–4 weeks; cuttings may take 4–8 weeks to root and establish.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), well-draining medium, small pots.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use a small pot to avoid excessive soil; maintain warmth and indirect light.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems cleanly with a sharp tool; allow cuts to callus before handling the plant further.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged stems to maintain health and shape.
Tools
Clean, sharp knife or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune only dead or damaged growth; allow cuts to callus.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant carefully; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; avoid watering for a week to prevent root rot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; use a pot with drainage holes.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; avoid over-potting; wait to water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at root zone; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry; avoid waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly during active growing season (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry out between waterings; reduce watering significantly in fall and cease entirely in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to standard potting soil to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or root rot in cold, damp conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage, especially if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move plant to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry during cold periods; provide frost protection if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause sunburn, dehydration, and wilting, especially if combined with poor watering habits.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water early in the day to avoid evaporation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season only; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGymnocalycium calochlorum is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from this species.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicGymnocalycium calochlorum is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from this species.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicGymnocalycium calochlorum is not known to produce toxic compounds that would pose a health risk to humans under normal circumstances.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Gymnocalycium calochlorum?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during winter dormancy.
Q: Does this cactus need full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade, but avoid intense midday sun.
Q: Is Gymnocalycium calochlorum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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