Gymnocalycium ERINACEUM

Gymnocalycium ERINACEUM - Gymnocalycium erinaceum.

Gymnocalycium is a plant genus in the cactus family (Cactaceae), comprising about 70 species widely distributed in South America, especially in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia at elevations of 800-3000 m (2,600-9,800 ft) above sea level on granitic and clay soils.

Gymnocalyciums are prized for their elegant stem contours, typically globular and flattened, with a diameter of 4 to 15 cm (1.6 to 6 in), while their height is roughly half the diameter. The primary stem coloration varies from grayish-green to brownish-green, occasionally with an almost gray or almost brown tint. Some cultivars feature unusual red or yellow chlorophyll-deficient stems; such plants are capable of developing only when grafted. Stems are generally prominently ribbed, with tubercles situated on the ribs. The spines are moderately stiff, often recurved.

The plants are prized for their showy flowering. The flowers are funnel-shaped with a short tube, form from areoles at the stem apex, and open during the day. Floral tubes in representatives of this genus, unlike most other cacti, lack bristles and hairs and are covered with smooth scales. Coloration ranges from white and pink to red, yellow, greenish, or brownish-yellow. The fruits are oblong, fleshy or dry, containing large black seeds with a texture characteristic of the genus.

Gymnocalycium erinaceum is a solitary plant varying from flattened-globular to globular in shape. Coloration ranges from gray-green to brown-green, glaucous. The size reaches up to 5 cm (2.0 in) in height and up to 5.5 cm (2.2 in) in diameter. There are 12 ribs. Spines are dark brown, becoming grayish-white with age, with dark tips and bases. Central spines number 1-2, up to 10 mm (0.4 in) long. Radial spines number 7-9, straight, one pointing downward and the others paired sideways, 6-8 mm (0.24-0.31 in) long. Flowers are funnel-shaped, white, up to 5.5 cm (2.2 in) long and 4.8 cm (1.9 in) in diameter. Fruits are spindle-shaped, bluish, up to 1.6 cm (0.6 in) long and 1.3 cm (0.5 in) in diameter.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a moist substrate with a pH of around 6.5. Sowings are covered with a lid, and ventilation is provided. Germination temperature is 22-26 °C (72-79 °F).

Seedlings emerge in 7-15 days. The maximum germination period is up to 25 days. Pricking out is performed when the first spines appear. Young seedlings develop rapidly and tolerate transplanting well.

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It is placed on south- or east-facing windows with access to bright diffused light. In spring and summer, a certain amount of direct sun is permissible. Regular ventilation is desirable, especially in hot weather.

Summer temperature is maintained at 22-28 °C (72-82 °F). In winter - 8-12 °C (46-54 °F) under complete dormancy. Watering is carried out moderately after the substrate has dried out completely. In winter, watering is ceased completely.

A loose mineral substrate is used with the addition of leaf mold, sand, and crushed brick. Repotting is carried out in spring when necessary. Good drainage is mandatory.

During the growing season, mineral fertilizing is applied once every 3-4 weeks. Low-nitrogen cactus fertilizers are used. In autumn and winter, fertilizers are not applied.

Shaping is not required. Propagation is carried out by seeds. Occasionally, offset formation is possible in older plants. Flowering begins in the 3rd-4th year when dormancy conditions are observed.