The genus name Gymnocalycium comes from the Greek for "naked calyx" referring to the flower buds bearing no hair or spines. The stem can grow up to 10 cm tall, 8-15 cm in diameter, colorful and highly decorative, with horizontal clear and dark strips. The clear areas (above the areoles) are pastel-grey-pink while the dark zone (below the areoles) are deep olive-green to brown-purple. The spines are nearly useless in terms of defense. It is a summer easy to grow species that offers no cultivation difficulties. Water regularly in summer (but do not over water). Keep this plant almost dry in winter at a minimum temperature of 0°C.
Recommended temperature zone: USDA: 9b-11
Minimum avg. temperature: 50°F (10°C)
Sun exposure: Light shade
Origin: Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay
Growth habits: Solitary or slowly clustering, up to 4" tall (10 cm), 3" in diameter (8 cm)
Watering needs: Summer grower, water regularly in summer, keep rather dry in winter
Propagation: Seeds
Blooming habits: Light pale pink flowers about 1"in diameter
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
Blooming Season | Late spring |
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Common Name | Plaid cactus |
Dormancy | Winter |
Family | Cactaceae |
Flower | Pink/orange/white/yellow |
Frost Tolerance | 5° c |
Growth Rate | Slow |
Hardiness Zone | 9b to 11b |
Height | 10 cm |
Origin | Chile |
Pot Size | 3.5" |
Scientific Name | Gymnocalycium tucavocense damsii |
Shape | Globose |
Sun Exposure | Partial shade |