The moon cactus is agrafted specimenthat is almost always grown as a potted plant rather than a garden specimen.
It becomes known as a moon cactus when the pieces are joined.
The main job of the lower cactus is to display theGymnocalyciumat an advantageous height.
The Spruce / Alonda Baird
The best seasons for planting are spring or summer when faster growth is favored.
These plants are popular in cactus dish gardens.
The moon cactus is an albino plant, which means it has no chlorophyll.
The Spruce / Alonda Baird
Therefore, it relies on the rootstock cactus as a food source.
When you water, however, you should water deeply.
The plant will noticeably plump up.
The Spruce / Alonda Baird
Light
The ball tops are tolerant of more shade than many cacti and dislike direct sunlight.
By contrast, the stock green cacti on the bottom are often light-lovers.
Too much direct sun will cause the colors to wash out.
Soil
A rich, fast-draining cactus mix with a low pH is ideal.
check that the soil meets the needs of the host cactus on the bottom.
Water
Allow the soil mix to become nearly dry between waterings, but then water thoroughly.
Good drainage is essential since leaving the plant sitting in water can lead to root rot.
During the summer months, the plant might need frequent watering, especially if it has been moved outside.
Plants in small pots will only need weekly watering.
Watering in the winter months is unnecessary, but mist the plant occasionally.
Like most cacti, this plant prefers low humidity levels.
Suspend feeding during the dormant winter period.
They can be red, orange, purplish, yellow, or even white.
Other than this, no pruning is necessary.
Propagating Moon Cactus
Because these cacti are grafted, they are not appropriate for propagation.
If theGymnocalyciumdoes not have that host, it will die.
Repotting should preferably be one during the warm growing season.
To repot a cactus, check that the soil is dry before repotting and then gently remove the pot.
Treat any cuts with a fungicide.
Don’t feed these plants during the winter.
They can be controlled with neem oil or a chemical pesticide designed for houseplants.
The only significant disease is root rot, resulting from overwatering or poorly draining soil.
If the base of the plant begins to get soft and mushy, withhold all water.
You may be forced to regraft the upper scion onto a new cactus and discard the old host cactus.
But it is not a problem if the plant has no flowers whatsoever.
Move the plant to a location that gets bright but indirect light.
But if you are prepared to regraft the plant, you could keep the colorful scion going indefinitely.
),andball cactus (Parodia spp.).
In its native habitat of South America,G.
mihanovichiiis a miniature 4-inch plant with a globular shape and 8 to 14 ribs.
The native species is gray-green with burgundy accents.
In the wild, it is often found in shady locations beneath shrubs and grasses.
The colorful houseplant versions are all cultivars selectively bred and hybridized beginning in the 1940s.
