Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Add a bold pop of color to your space with Gymnocalycium mihanovichii. This compact moon cactus is a top choice for desks and shelves—neat, sculptural, and easy to care for. Just give it bright light, a well-draining cactus mix, and occasional deep watering. A perfect gift plant that looks premium without demanding daily attention.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Moon Cactus
Botanical Name: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Succulent cactus
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0653
Alternative Names:
Chin Cactus
Hibotan
Japanese Moon Cactus
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Gymnocalycium
Species: mihanovichii
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to central South America, primarily Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia
Widely cultivated worldwide as a grafted ornamental houseplant
4. Visual Characteristics
Globose, colorful scion lacking chlorophyll, typically red, orange, or yellow
6–8 pronounced ribs with small areoles bearing short, fine spines
Grafted atop a green Hylocereus (or similar) rootstock, creating a two-toned, sculptural form
5. Size & Dimensions
Scion diameter: 4–6 cm (1.5–2.5 in)
Total height (including rootstock): 6–12 cm (2.5–5 in)
Slow growth rate; minimal annual increase in size
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light for 4–6 hours daily
Tolerates some morning or late afternoon sun
Avoid intense midday sun to prevent sunburn
7. Watering Needs
Allow potting mix to dry out completely between waterings
Water thoroughly, then discard excess drainage
Reduce watering in winter to once a month or when fully dry
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining cactus/succulent mix
Recommended blend: potting soil, coarse sand or grit, plus perlite or pumice
Repot every 2–3 years or when rootstock outgrows its container
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal daytime: 20–30 °C (68–86 °F)
Minimum winter: 10 °C (50 °F)
Prefers low to moderate humidity; avoid high humidity
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer (e.g., 2-7-7 NPK)
Use at half strength
Feed monthly during active growth (spring and summer)
Do not fertilize in winter
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Low
Minimal pruning—remove any shriveled or rotting tissue
Inspect regularly for pests and signs of overwatering
12. Growth & Propagation
Primary propagation by grafting scion onto rootstock (commonly Hylocereus)
Seed propagation possible but scions revert to green form
Best grafting period: spring to early summer
13. Common Problems
Root or crown rot from overwatering
Sunburn from excessive direct sun
Pests: mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites
Etiolation if light levels are too low
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental accent ideal for desks, shelves, and small spaces
Provides a vibrant pop of color with minimal care
Popular as a gift plant; showcases grafting artistry
Compact form suitable for offices and apartments
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Spines can cause skin irritation if handled without care
Wear gloves when repotting or pruning to avoid injury
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Add a bold pop of color to your space with Gymnocalycium mihanovichii. This compact moon cactus is a top choice for desks and shelves—neat, sculptural, and easy to care for. Just give it bright light, a well-draining cactus mix, and occasional deep watering. A perfect gift plant that looks premium without demanding daily attention.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Moon Cactus
Botanical Name: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Succulent cactus
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0653
Alternative Names:
Chin Cactus
Hibotan
Japanese Moon Cactus
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Gymnocalycium
Species: mihanovichii
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to central South America, primarily Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia
Widely cultivated worldwide as a grafted ornamental houseplant
4. Visual Characteristics
Globose, colorful scion lacking chlorophyll, typically red, orange, or yellow
6–8 pronounced ribs with small areoles bearing short, fine spines
Grafted atop a green Hylocereus (or similar) rootstock, creating a two-toned, sculptural form
5. Size & Dimensions
Scion diameter: 4–6 cm (1.5–2.5 in)
Total height (including rootstock): 6–12 cm (2.5–5 in)
Slow growth rate; minimal annual increase in size
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light for 4–6 hours daily
Tolerates some morning or late afternoon sun
Avoid intense midday sun to prevent sunburn
7. Watering Needs
Allow potting mix to dry out completely between waterings
Water thoroughly, then discard excess drainage
Reduce watering in winter to once a month or when fully dry
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining cactus/succulent mix
Recommended blend: potting soil, coarse sand or grit, plus perlite or pumice
Repot every 2–3 years or when rootstock outgrows its container
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal daytime: 20–30 °C (68–86 °F)
Minimum winter: 10 °C (50 °F)
Prefers low to moderate humidity; avoid high humidity
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer (e.g., 2-7-7 NPK)
Use at half strength
Feed monthly during active growth (spring and summer)
Do not fertilize in winter
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Low
Minimal pruning—remove any shriveled or rotting tissue
Inspect regularly for pests and signs of overwatering
12. Growth & Propagation
Primary propagation by grafting scion onto rootstock (commonly Hylocereus)
Seed propagation possible but scions revert to green form
Best grafting period: spring to early summer
13. Common Problems
Root or crown rot from overwatering
Sunburn from excessive direct sun
Pests: mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites
Etiolation if light levels are too low
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental accent ideal for desks, shelves, and small spaces
Provides a vibrant pop of color with minimal care
Popular as a gift plant; showcases grafting artistry
Compact form suitable for offices and apartments
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Spines can cause skin irritation if handled without care
Wear gloves when repotting or pruning to avoid injury