Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii Colourful Oriental Moon Cactus 15 cm

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is one of the most unusual window garden cacti.

You may hear it called its common names including: Hibotan, Friedrichii, Oriental Moon Cactus, Mutant cactus, Chin cactus.
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii var. friedrichii plant can’t grow on its own. It typically comes grafted onto another cactus, such as Hylocereus undatus (dragon fruit cactus). This cactus plant has a thick base that makes the perfect host for the mutant cactus.

This plant grows as a globular mass, reaching about two inches in size.
While these popular mutants are grown for the unique circular shape, the Oriental moon cactus can produce flowers. The small pink flowers grow from the sides and don’t produce a scent.

In cooler climates, indoor growth ensures warmer temperatures. Set it near a window to give it plenty of sun. NOTE: If the plant doesn’t get enough bright light, the color starts to fade. It grows well at normal room temperature throughout most of the year.
Water the plant regularly throughout the spring and summer months as well as the fall. In the winter months, water infrequently. Before watering, check the soil. It should dry out between watering to avoid the root system rotting away.

The Gymnocalycium mihanovichii doesn’t need fertilizer.
Hibotan cactus grows best in the normal commercial cactus soil with good drainage.Another option is to use a mixture of regular potting soil with 25% to 50% perlite or pumice. Transplanting isn’t necessary unless it grows too big for its pot.
As the plant doesn’t get very big, transplanting may depend on the size of the host plant.

Typically, spring is the best time to transplant just before the active new growth season starts.
Plants supplied in nursery plastic pots - 5.5cm x h- 5cm.