Gymnocalysium Stellatum

Description

Gymnocalycium stellatum (chocolate) in the family Cactaceae .  It is a beautiful very slowly growing plant with a noticeably flatten body. Gymnocalycium stellatum is supposed to be one of the most difficult species in cultivation, and very slow to get to a reasonable size. It will offset after a considerable period of time. This species is characterized by some variability in the length.

It likes very porous standard cactus mix soil. Prefer a low pH compost, avoid substrata rich in limestone; otherwise growth will stop altogether.  It is a summer-growing species that needs regular water in summer, but do not overwater (Rot prone), keep dry in winter at a minimum temperature of 0°C.

The plant tolerates extremely bright situations but enjoys filtered sunlight or afternoon shade, inside it needs bright light, and some direct sun. Tends to bronze in strong light, which encourages flowering and heavy spine production, but is likely to suffer from sun scorch or stunted growth if over exposed to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day in summer.

Plants on offer are seed grown and approx 3cm to 3.5cm in diameter.