A small ribbed globular cactus, famous in its chlorophyll-free red, pink or yellow grafted 'moon cactus' form, producing delicate pink flowers. A colourful, compact novelty for bright windowsills.
At a glance
- Plant type: Succulent
- Mature size: 8 cm H × 10 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Chin Cactus
Botanically, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is a slow-growing succulent in the Cactaceae family. It reaches around 8 cm tall and 10 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Pink and white flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Chin Cactus
Chin Cactus suits arid and semi-arid and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Chin Cactus does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Chin Cactus is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Chin Cactus after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Chin Cactus in the garden
Chin Cactus earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Chin Cactus with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is thorny — useful as a barrier, but wear gloves when pruning.
Buying Chin Cactus
Plant Sale lists Chin Cactus as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.