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Cactus SucculentConservatory Greenhouse

Gymnocalycium saglionis
  • RHS AGM

giant chin cactus

A cactus with flattened, globose, green or blueish-green stems with 10-30 or more tubercled ribs, and clusters of stout spines. Broad, funnel-shaped, pale pink flowers 2cm across appear in early summer

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Pink
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Gymnocalycium can be spherical or cylindrical cacti, with ribs divided into rounded, spiny tubercles, and funnel-shaped flowers in early summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
NW Argentina

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with good ventilation. Water freely in spring and summer and apply a low-nitrogen liquid feed every month. Keep dry in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring, or by removing offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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