The Moon Cactus, or Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, is a little cactus with lots of character. The bright and vibrant top and distinctive form makes it a delightful small plant to have on a shelf, desk or window sill, offering a splash of colour without taking up much space. It’s that sort of plant that immediately attracts people’s eye and it works extremely well if you want something a bit unusual.
It’s also super easy to look after which makes it excellent for novices or anyone who just wants a simple low maintenance plant. It’s small, but it still makes a statement with its vibrant colours and odd look. It’s never exactly the same as the next plant so there’s a certain charm to it.
Put it somewhere light, let the soil dry out between waterings and it will happily get on with things with very little effort. If you want something vibrant and easy to care for and really nice to have about, it's a lovely little plant that also works well in terrariums, small plant displays, or as part of a cactus collection.
Please note: the decorative pot shown in the images is for illustration purposes only and is not included with the plant.
Plant genus Gymnocalycium
Common Name Moon Cactus
Plant type Cacti, Succulent
Foliage type Evergreen, Perennial
Hardiness Tender
Soil acidity Neutral
Flower colour Pink, White
Edible Use No
Light Required Bright In-direct sunlight
Watering Allow the compost to dry well between waterings, then water thoroughly and let all excess drain away. These plants cope better with being slightly dry than sitting in wet compost, so never leave the pot standing in water. Reduce watering significantly through the cooler, darker months.
Best Growing Conditions Grow in bright light with some gentle direct sun, ideally at around 15-24°C, away from cold draughts and sudden temperature changes. Use well-drained soil and make sure excess water can drain freely from the pot. A warm, airy position and lower humidity suit this plant better than a steamy or constantly damp room.
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