Gymnocalycium QUEHLIANUM

Gymnocalycium QUEHLIANUM - Quehl's chin cactus, Gymnocalycium quehlianum, Echinocactus.

Gymnocalycium is a genus of plants in the family Cactaceae, comprising about 70 species widely distributed in South America, especially in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia at elevations of 800-3,000 m (2,600-9,800 ft) above sea level, on granitic and clay soils.

Gymnocalyciums are valued for the graceful outlines of their stems, usually 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 base color of the stem varies from grayish-green to brownish-green, sometimes with an almost gray or almost brown tint. Some cultivars feature unusual red or yellow stems lacking chlorophyll; such plants can only develop in a grafted state. The stems are generally distinctly ribbed, with tubercles located on the ribs. The spines are moderately rigid, often recurved.

The plants are valued for their spectacular flowering. The flowers are funnel-shaped with a short tube, forming from areoles at the top of the stem and opening during the day. The flower tubes in representatives of this genus, unlike most other cacti, lack bristles and hairs and are covered with smooth scales. Coloration varies from white and pink to red, yellow, greenish, or brownish-yellow. The fruits are oblong, juicy or dry, containing large black seeds with a texture characteristic of the genus.

Quehl's chin cactus is a compact, slow-growing, and one of the flattest species, barely rising above the ground level. The stem is usually solitary, up to 7 cm (2.8 in) wide. A notable feature of this species is the body coloration, which shifts from reddish to dark bluish-green.

There are no central spines. Radial spines number 5; they are ivory-colored with a red base, located on pubescent areoles. Varieties with white, yellow, and reddish-brown spines also exist.

The flowers are up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long; the original brown background color of the buds disappears and gives way to pale pink or white when they open. The flowers have a reddish throat. It blooms at an early age and frequently during the growing season. The buds develop over a week and open sequentially.

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

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

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

It is placed on south or east windows with access to bright indirect light. In spring and summer, some direct sun is permitted. Regular ventilation is desirable, especially in hot weather.

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

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

During the growing period, mineral feedings are applied once every 3-4 weeks. Cactus fertilizers with low nitrogen content are used. In autumn and winter, fertilizers are not applied.

Shaping is not required. Propagation is carried out by seeds. Occasionally, offshoots may form on old plants. Flowering begins in the 3rd-4th year when dormancy conditions are observed.