Gymnocalycium pflanzii

RHS Plant Profile
Pflanze's chin cactus

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Cactus Succulent

A small, globe-shaped, smooth, green cactus to around 15cm in height, with stiff grey-white spines., which may develop an orange-purple tint if grown in full sunlight. Large, white flowers with a hint of pink in the centre, are produced in summer, even on young plants. A very easy to care for cactus

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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
Bolivia to Paraguay

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in cactus compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely in spring and summer, applying a low nitrogen fertiliser every month. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate from seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free