How to care for and propagate Gymnocalycium mihanovichii Moon CactusGymnocalycium mihanovichii Moon Cactus care and propagation informationPin

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii

Moon Cactus

This cute “mutant” cactus is actually a combination of two cacti, typically Gymnocalycium (the sicon) and a rootstock cactus, such as Hylocereus. The term “moon cactus” typically refers to the yellow and orange varieties, however red varieties can be included.

Quick Look:

  • Partial sun to partial shade

  • Typical water needs for a succulent

  • Plant grows up to 12″ (30.5 cm) tall

  • Zone 10a (Minimum 30° F | -1.1° C)

  • Not cold hardy

  • Propagation by grafting and offsets

  • Generally non-toxic to humans and animals

  • Actively grows in the Summer

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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Gymnocalycium mihanovichii “Moon Cactus”

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii “Moon Cactus” is a great cacti for beginners. It grows well indoors, and thrives on neglect. It is actually two separate cacti grafted together. The top, colorful graft comes from Gymnocalycium, with the rootstock cacti coming from another cacti. The colorful Gymnocalycium is a mutant, unable to photosynthesize, and therefore requiring nutrients from another cacti.

Watering

“Moon Cactus” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

“Moon Cactus” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.
Plant in an area of your garden that gets partial sun and shade. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets some sun and filtered light.

How to Propagate Gymnocalycium mihanovichii “Moon Cactus”

Not all Gymnocalycium mihanovichii “Moon Cactus” will produce offsets. Those that do can be propagated from the offsets. You can try to extend the life of your “Moon Cactus” by grafting it onto a new rootstock.

Offsets

Some “Moon Cactus” will produce small offsets, sprouting off of the top of the plant. Remove these carefully, and allow the offsets to dry for one to two days before placing in well-draining soil.