Watering, fertilizing, cutting and more

How do you water gymnocalycium properly?

The root ball should never dry out completely during the growth phase. However, waterlogging must be avoided at all costs.

Since gymnocalycium does not tolerate water well on the shoots, pour it from below. Put it in a coaster and pour lime-free water into it. Discard any liquid that has not been absorbed by the substrate after ten minutes at the latest.

Do you need to fertilize the desert cactus?

It is sufficient if you feed the cactus with some liquid fertilizer with a high potassium content every 14 days from April to August fertilize.

When is it time to repot?

• Repot in spring
• Potting the cactus
• Shake off the old substrate
• Fill the old or new pot with fresh substrate

As soon as the pot is completely rooted, the Gymnocalycium needs a new vessel. In the spring, check whether the cactus still has enough space. You shake off the old substrate and replace it with fresh one.

After repotting, you should not fertilize the cactus for several months.

Is Gymnocalycium cut?

The cactus itself is not cut. However, you can remove dried-up shoots.

If side shoots form, you can cut them to grow new cacti.

What diseases and pests to watch out for?

When waterlogged, the Gymnocalycium suffers from root rot and dies. Spots on the shoots arise either because the cactus was watered from above or due to fungal attack.

As with all cacti, mealybugs and mealybugs are more common. They can be recognized by their small webs and a sticky coating.

How do you maintain gymnocalycium in winter?

Gymnocalycium is not hardy. In winter, however, the cactus needs a phase in which it is placed cooler. Temperatures around eight degrees are ideal. The winter location must be very bright, preferably sunny.

You can do without watering in winter. At most, you should give a few drops of water at longer intervals.