Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is also sold commercially under the name strawberry cactus. The reason for this is the usually very strong red color of the cactus body. Since this type of desert cactus is an epiphyte, you must also take the requirements of the rootstock into account when caring for it. How to care for Gymnocalycium mihanovichii.
How to properly care for Gymnocalycium mihanovichii?
To care for Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, you should water it regularly with lime-free water, fertilize it every two weeks from April to August, repot if necessary and keep it cool and bright in winter. In summer it can also be left outside, but never below 8 degrees Celsius.
How to water Gymnocalycium mihanovichii correctly?
The root ball should not dry out completely during the growing season. Always water when the substrate has dried on top. Use lime-free water, if possible rainwater.
Never leave water in the coaster for a long time. You should pour off any standing water no later than ten minutes after watering.
How do you fertilize the desert cactus?
Gymnocalycium is supplied with liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) at 14-day intervals from April to August. A fertilizer with a high potassium content is optimal.
When should you repot it?
A new pot is not necessary every year. Check in spring to see if the roots still have enough space. Shake off the old substrate and replace it with fresh soil.
Can the Gymnocalycium mihanovichii go outside in summer?
You can keep all Gymnocalycium species indoors all year round. A stay outdoors is very good for the desert cactus, as long as the temperatures don't drop too much.
Find a place that is as sunny as possible where the cactus is not too exposed to rain.
It should never get cooler than eight degrees at the location. So bring the Gymnocalycium mihanovichii back into the house in time for autumn.
What diseases and pests can occur?
- Root rot
- Fungal diseases
- mealybugs
- Mealybugs
How to care for Gymnocalycium mihanovichii in winter?
Like all desert cacti, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is not hardy. It must therefore never be left at freezing temperatures. It shouldn't get cooler than eight degrees.
In winter the cactus takes a break. During this time, place it in the brightest possible place with temperatures between eight and twelve degrees.
During the winter, the cactus is watered very sparingly and not fertilized.
Tip
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii always requires a base. It is therefore often grafted onto Hylocereus. It cannot be propagated from cuttings.
