Product Description:
Moon cacti are popular indoor plants known for their small size and vibrant colors. The moon cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) is a type of cactus native to South America’s deserts in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. A member of the Cactaceae family. At maturity, the moon cactus is approximately one to two inches wide and has clusters of small, sharp spines.As houseplants, moon cacti are typically mutants that do not produce chlorophyll, which is why they have such vivid colors. It’s hard to mistake a moon cactus; you’ll always recognize them by their bright pink, yellow, or orange colors. The bright neon colors are usually in the shape of round looking balls, with thorns, and they’re sitting on top of another green colored cactus. The little moon cactus is a funny plant because it’s actually two plants in one and the product of human design. Plant is also known by the common names ruby ball cactus, star flowered cactus, and red cap.
Water:
Like many species of cacti, the moon cactus does not require large amounts of water. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil, then allow it to dry out completely. Do not water the plant again until the soil has remained dry for approximately one week.
Light:
They do the best in bright but indirect sunlight. Protect from direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant.
Soil:
A rich, fast-draining cactus mix with a low pH is ideal. Make sure the soil meets the needs of the host cactus on the bottom.
Fertilizer:
You do not need to regularly fertilize your moon cactus plant, but you should dose it with a cactus fertilizer every month during its growing season (April to September).
Temperature and Humidity:
Ideal conditions for the rootstock and the upper scion portion may not be the same. The upper scion is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 11 through 12, while some of the rootstock species (such as night-blooming cereus or blue myrtle) are hardy in zones as low as 8 or 9. During the winter, the recommended temperature range is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.1 It is possible for borderline temperatures to cause the upper portion to die while the rootstock survives. Like most cacti, this plant prefers low humidity levels.
Pruning:
If the lower rootstock portion sends out side shoots, these can be clipped off to the base of the stem, using sharp pruners. Other than this, no pruning is necessary.
Propagating Moon Cactus:
Because these cacti are grafted, they are not appropriate for propagation. If you are interested in learning how to graft cacti yourself, it is not difficult, and many species can be successfully grafted.
- Using a sharp knife sterilized with alcohol, cut the top off of a columnar-shaped host cactus, then cut the scion from the old ruby ball cactus. You will see a circle of vascular tissue at the center of the stems of the scion and new rootstock.
- Press the plants together so the circles at least partially align.
- Put rubber bands over the scion and the bottom of the pot the rootstock is growing in, holding them until the tissues grow together.
Potting and Repotting Moon Cactus:
These plants are slow-growing, but they should be repotted every three to four years to rejuvenate the plant with fresh soil. Repotting should preferably be one during the warm growing season. To repot a cactus, make sure the soil is dry before repotting and then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with cactus-mix potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so to reduce the risk of root rot and then begin to water lightly.
