moon cactus
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
USDA zones9 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 3 inches tall2 to 3 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Brown/copper, yellow, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Moon cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) is a houseplant for containers, rock gardens, and xeriscapes. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. It stays small, at 2 to 3 inches tall, and grows slowly. It is drought tolerant and evergreen.
Pairs well with Horse's teeth, Echeveria, and Aeonium.
Native range
Paraguay to Argentina.