Cactus "Gimnokalitsium"

One of the most popular and interesting indoor plants is the cactus "Gymnokalitsium." He is encouraged for unpretentiousness, unusual flowering and shape, ability to survive in unusual conditions. Although it is brought from South American countries, the "Gymnocalicium" will easily grow almost everywhere.

"Gimnokalitsium" - species

Of all kinds , seeds that can be bought, on the windowsills or shelves in the apartment feel comfortable only 15 of them. Some varieties are bred by man. The most common are:

1. "Hymnokalitsium Mihanovic" - a flower with three ribs, long spines, bent towards the trunk. The flowers are large, white or pink.
2. "Friedrich's Gymnocalicium" or Japanese - a mutated form of a spherical form up to 10 cm. Point-brown, curved. Flowers are lilac, pink.
3. "Salto" - one of the major varieties. The stem consists of different tubercles, fastened together. Spines 4 cm long, grayish-brown in color. Grows in the nests of 10-15.
4. "Baldanium" - has a rare coloring of the petals - purple. Another trait that distinguishes it, the shade of the stem is green with an admixture of blue.
5. "Humpback" - with a spherical stem, large size - up to 50 cm in height and up to 20 cm in diameter.
6. "Hymnokalitsium small-colored" - small in size - up to 7 cm in diameter, has spines, pressed against the stem and white flowers with reddish blotches.
7. "Hymnokalitsium tiny" - the smallest - up to 3 cm in diameter, with a spherical stalk, and white large flowers on the top of the stem.

«Gimnokalitsium» - care

If the "Gymnokalitsium" is purchased, care for him is simple. Even the one for whom flower breeding was a great mystery will cope with this. The main thing is to follow certain rules.

To flourish the "Gymnocalicium", care at home should include:

• satisfactory lighting is good, but diffused. The more thorns, the more sun will be required;
• acceptable temperature. The minimum temperature threshold is + 8 ° C. The most comfortable is from 20 to 40 ° C;
• watering. Watered regularly, but only during the growing season. It will not prevent to spray the cactus;
• soil. As the soil is not recommended to use acidic. It is better to purchase a special primer for succulents;
• top dressing. For fertilizing choose mineral fertilizer. But add it carefully.

If you do everything right and grow a "Gymnocalicium", flowering will begin in May. It lasts all summer and autumn. The flowers remain open long. The first flowering is observed in a two-year-old cactus. With due care, he will be happy with flowers every year.