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Description
Gymnocalycium Pflanzii is a species of cactus that belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is a small, globular cactus that can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. It is native to Argentina and can be found in rocky terrain and shrublands.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Gymnocalycium |
| Species | Pflanzii |
Appearance
Gymnocalycium Pflanzii has a round and flat shape, with a greenish-blue shade. It has 8-10 ribs, which are slightly curved, and are covered with areoles. The areoles have white wool, which can sometimes form a short, thin, and curly spine. The flowers of the Gymnocalycium Pflanzii are white, pink, or red, and appear in spring or summer.
Care Guide
To take care of the Gymnocalycium Pflanzii, you need to follow these tips:
Water
Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid over-watering. Allow the soil to dry out between watering, and reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization
Gymnocalycium Pflanzii needs to be fertilized during the growing season. Use a fertilizer that is high in potassium and low in nitrogen.
Soil
The soil should be well-draining and should contain a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Sunlight
Gymnocalycium Pflanzii needs a lot of sunlight, but it should be protected from direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
Hardiness Zones
Gymnocalycium Pflanzii is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gymnocalycium Pflanzii can be affected by several pests and diseases, including:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs can damage the plant by feeding on its sap. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap.
Scale Insects
Scale insects can also cause damage by sucking the sap from the plant. They can be controlled by removing them manually or using insecticidal soap.
Rot
Rot can occur if the plant is over-watered or if the soil does not drain properly. To prevent rot, make sure to water the plant only when the soil is dry.
Habitat
Gymnocalycium Pflanzii is native to Argentina and can be found in rocky terrain and shrublands. It grows in well-drained soil and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Question and Answer
1. How often should I water my Gymnocalycium Pflanzii?
You should water your Gymnocalycium Pflanzii regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out between watering.
2. What kind of soil does Gymnocalycium Pflanzii need?
Gymnocalycium Pflanzii needs well-draining soil that contains a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
3. How can I control mealybugs on my Gymnocalycium Pflanzii?
You can control mealybugs on your Gymnocalycium Pflanzii by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap.
4. What is the hardiness zone for Gymnocalycium Pflanzii?
Gymnocalycium Pflanzii is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
Other related plants to the Gymnocalycium Pflanzii include:- Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii- Gymnocalycium Saglionis- Gymnocalycium Baldianum- Gymnocalycium Horstii
References
– “Gymnocalycium Pflanzii.” Cactus Art Nursery. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/GYMNOCALYCIUM/Gymnocalycium_pflanzii/Gymnocalycium_pflanzii/Gymnocalycium_pflanzii.htm.- “Gymnocalycium Pflanzii.” World of Succulents. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://worldofsucculents.com/gymnocalycium-pflanzii/.
