Tag: cacti

Thanksgiving Cactus – Schlumbergera Truncata

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Which are your favorite cacti for indoor planting?

The Thanksgiving cactus can easily slide into any cactus lover’s list of favorites. From a beautiful blooming season to being easy to grow, you will never get it wrong with a Schlumbergera Truncata.

This article will take you through the essential facts of the Thanksgiving cactus. Read on to find out more about how to best care for this plant. You will also find what to expect during different eventualities.

Thanksgiving Cactus Schlumbergera Truncata
A thanksgiving cactus in a green planter @___lia_toha

Introducing the Thanksgiving Cactus

The Thanksgiving cactus is a tropical cactus with its native home being in the gigantic rain forests of South America. If you happen to own the tropical plant, never treat it like the rest of desert cacti. In its native land, you will find it perched on trees, which makes it epiphytic.

The naming of this plant is pretty amazing as it dons a long list of nicknames. The equally amazing cactus belongs to the Cactaceae family, Schlumbergera genus, and Truncata species.

Be sure to also check out “What Adaptations Does a Cactus Have?” to see how a cactus can adapt to different environments.

Some nicknames for Schlumbergera Truncata are

  • Crab cactus
  • Yoke cactus
  • Linkleaf
  • Claw cactus

Don’t be surprised to hear some succulent lovers referring to the Thanksgiving cactus as a holiday cactus. Of course, Thanksgiving is a holiday. But there is a twist as holiday cacti are formed by an exciting group of plants that bloom over different holidays.

To differentiate the Thanksgiving cactus from other holiday cactus, look out for its physical appearance and blooming time. Its closest sibling the Christmas cactus dons smoothness and scalloped stems. The lateness in blooming also sets it apart from the Thanksgiving cactus.

The appearance of the Thanksgiving cactus is highlighted by indented stems that have the look of a crab’s claws hence its names, the crab cactus, and claw cactus. The rain forest succulent’ stems have a midrib that connects different segments.

Check out why so many people flock to the cacti species as their go-to succulent choice, check out “What Is Special About A Cactus?” for more.

Thanksgiving Cactus Schlumbergera Truncata
A large thanksgiving cactus @dkerr96

Caring for the Epiphytic Thanksgiving Cactus

What are the right conditions for growing a Schlumbergera Truncata? Here are the correct standards for caring for your tropical rainforest cactus as you look forward to its beautiful petals.

1. Watering

Watering the epiphytic cactus will utterly need not to leave your cactus sogged in too much water. A dry growing medium will make it wither or dry up while too much water encourages fungal attacks. Water your plant minimally when Fall sets in through Spring.

2. Humidity

High humidity levels characterize the tropical rainforests of South America. The tall trees that form huge canopies help in maintaining the high humidity. Your plant will happily grow and bloom if you can achieve an average of 50% humidity around it. A pebble tray will work just fine enough to reach the optimal humidity levels.

3. Temperature

By now, you must have noticed that that the right conditions for the Thanksgiving cactus mimic its origin. Temperature is not an exception. The required daytime temperatures are 16-18°C, while the nights need temperatures of between 7-13°C. These ranges are perfect when waiting for the plant to bloom. When budding, daytime temperatures should be 21-24°C and 16-21°C nights.

Using a grow light at home? Make sure you go check out “Are Grow Lights Bad for My Succulents” to see if you’re using that grow light correctly for your succulents.

4. Soil

All cacti thrive in well-drained soils, and the Schlumbergera Truncata is not any different. Soils that retain too much water encourage fungi. Your succulent will do even better if you incorporate a soluble fertilizer into the soil. Adding fertilizer can be done per fortnight only when the plant is growing until the blooms are no more.

Try making your own succulent soil at home by checking out “How to Make Your own Succulent Soil at Home“.

5. Propagation

The Thanksgiving cactus is everything about ‘thanks.’ The plant is easy to propagate, making it a beautiful little gift for your loved ones. They will be saying lots of thank you.

So how do you propagate the Thanksgiving cactus?

Use a sharp and sterile cutting object when making your cut of its segmented stems. Ensure that you take 2-3 segments with you and ensure that it is a clean cut. Allow the cut surface to be callous for some days before putting on a well-draining growing medium.

6. Light

Thanksgiving cactus do well when exposed to bright light.

Thanksgiving Cactus Schlumbergera Truncata
A flowering thanksgiving cactus @happygreenguys

The Thanksgiving cactus is a fantastic plant to have around you. Growing it will never get you disappointed.

Loved learning about this succulent and now inspired to add more to your collection?! (We don’t blame you) Check out Succulent City’s new line of ebooks covering topics from, “All the Types of Succulents for Indoor and Outdoor,” “Different Types of Planters,” and many more helpful in-depth ebooks. Head to this link to view our full line of ebooks and get started with our complimentary guide.

Thank you for reading! Happy Planting! 🌵

Totem Pole Cactus (Pachycereus Schottii Monstrosus)

Cacti are probably the most popular succulents we have around. Remember the days when cactus and succulent were used synonymously?

Thank God, we know better now.

We know cacti are part of the larger succulents group and the two are not interchangeable. Succulents are diverse with a ton of individual plant types – and cacti are part of this diversity.

Further on, the cacti have a diverse background. There are so many cacti species. Any three you know of?

Well, here’s the fourth one: the totem pole cactus.

Have you seen it? Heard about it maybe? Or this is your first time?

Whatever the case, you’ll have more than a handful of information about this yet another wonder from the succulent kingdom. Read on.

Totem Pole Cactus Pachycereus Schottii Monstrosus
A thickly stemmed cactus @succulentsontheside

Totem Pole Cactus

Lophocereus schotii var. monstrosus is the name the totem pole cactus goes by in the botanical world. It is yet another beauty that goes against the usual spiny – and sometimes dangerous – nature of a majority of cacti.

Its entire height, which can be as high as 12 ft, is covered by a series of tiny spineless bumps – a characteristic brought about by mutation. But if it grows to maturity, you’re bound to see traces of its past spiky glory.

At full height, it bears sharp grey spikes at the stem tips.

Native to the Mexican state of Baja California, the totem pole cactus is green and flowers only occasionally. The blooms are pink and open during the night – so probably you’ll never see them. They come out in summer.

Be sure to also check out “What Is Special About A Cactus?” to see more features on the cacti species and what makes them so special.

Totem Pole Cactus Pachycereus Schottii Monstrosus
A young cactus @artslug_

Totem Pole Cactus Care

This cactus is pretty easy to nurture. It’s a set-and-nearly-forget type of plant.

As long you have a few pieces of the puzzle in place, you’ll have your plant for as long you wish — the most important details to pay attention to include watering, potting mix, and lighting.

Very paramount also is your area’s USDA hardiness. This will determine whether you’ll grow your totem pole cactus as an outdoor plant or an indoor one.

Have a closer look at each one of these below.

1. Ideal climate – outdoor or indoor growth?

The totem pole cactus is ideal for both outdoor and indoor growth. But there’s no denying – it’s such a darling with outdoor growth. This could be attributed to its rather imposing physique.

The bad news is that not every area will be suitable for growing this beauty piece outside, at least not all year round.

Places that experience a warm climate can accommodate the totem pole cactus in the open quite well. And that is throughout the whole year. In terms of hardiness zones, we’re talking of areas with values from 9 to 11.

For cooler parts, you can still grow your plant outdoors. But it should be in a container so that you bring it inside as the cold months approach.

Be sure to also check out our guide “How to Successfully Grow Indoor Succulents” for more info on growing indoors.

2. Lighting for the totem pole cactus

The totem pole cactus cherishes the sun, so much. That means you should make sure it’s getting as much of it as possible – not a few hours, we’re talking a full day here.

This is fairly simple if you’re growing this succulent in a garden – assuming your climate is ideal for such. All you need is a clear spot devoid of any shade.

For indoors, place your plant near the window receiving the most hours of sunlight throughout the day.

Anything partial and your plant won’t be as impressed with its growth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take away our ebook “Best Lighting Practices for Succulent Growth” for our full guide to taking care of your succulents with the best lighting practices.

3. Totem pole cactus watering requirements

This is a drought-tolerant plant. A few prolonged periods of not quenching it isn’t much of a bother.

Nevertheless, you still need to be watering your baby – and your frequency will depend on whether you’re raising it in a container or out there in the garden.

Indoors, it’s best to wait at least two weeks between watering and a week when the plant is outdoors, in the ground. These are the rough timelines during which the soil would have dried up.

If you can’t keep with counting the days (it’s only natural) then simply checking whether the top part of the soil is dry or not will do just fine. You want to make sure that the soil has completely dried out before heading for your watering can.

The frequency will also be influenced by seasons. You’ll need to water your plant often during, say, a heatwave and much less when the temperatures tumble. The trick is in keeping an eye on the topsoil.

Sometimes you may even overwater your cactus. For that, check out our piece “5 Dangers Of Overwatering A Cactus” for tips on salvaging your succulent.

4. Soil requirements

The above watering requirements will only make sense if you have the right soil in place for your totem pole cactus.

As it is the norm with succulents, make sure the soil you put your plant in is well-draining. It just ensures your plant is getting the scarce water conditions it’s used to in the wild. And that’s how you end up with a truly ornamental possession.

Learn how to make your own succulent soil in “How to Make Your own Succulent Soil at Home“.

Totem Pole Cactus Pachycereus Schottii Monstrosus
Close up of a cactus @crazy_plant_guy

Totem Pole Cactus Propagation

Getting new totem babies is possible through stem cuttings. And the whole process is a piece of cake.

Here’s a cheat sheet for going about it:

  • Identify a stem with a few healthy bumps and cut it off, a few inches from the tip, using a sharp, sterilized knife. Make sure your cut is at an angle to prevent water accumulation on the parent plant.
  • Treat the wounds on both the remaining stem and the cutting using scouring powder to prevent infections. This is optional, but it’s always good to be proactive.
  • Store your cutting away from direct sunlight, giving it just enough time for the cut part to callus. This takes a few weeks.
  • Now it’s time to stick your cutting in a well-draining mix.
  • Give your cutting a few days before you start watering. Follow the watering routine outlined above and keep it away from direct sunlight.
  • The roots will form between 2 to 6 weeks, and you’ll have a new plant to look out for. At this point, you can start to gradually increase the exposure to sunlight and follow the above caring tips.

Check out more tips on propagating by taking a look at “5 Tips for Propagating Succulents“.

Totem Pole Cactus Pachycereus Schottii Monstrosus
Succulent planted in a black planter @soitgrows_

Pests and Problems

The totem pole cactus is a hardy succulent. Sure, it can go for long periods without water– like all succulents. But what sets it apart is its resistance to pests and diseases. So you shouldn’t worry at all on those fronts.

What you want to keep tabs on are your watering and the soil mix. Root rot is still a major nightmare here. Refer to the caring requirements above.

Totem Pole Cactus Pachycereus Schottii Monstrosus
Top view of a potted succulent @nicoleska665

There is no shortage of places when it comes to buying a totem pole cactus. The most no-brainer options are Amazon and Etsy.

Aside from these e-com giants, there are many enough options that are even better since their sole focus is on succulents. Check out the full list in this post. Check out this totem pole cactus we found online just for you!

Thank you for reading! Be sure to check out more from the cacti species by checking out “Blooming Beauty: Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii)” or even “Cottontop Cactus – Echinocactus Polycephalus“.

If you liked this read you’re going to love our full in-depth ebooks! With so many of our succulent lovers asking for more, we listened and can’t wait to share it with you here! With our very detailed ebooks, you’ll get more information than these short articles, some ebooks are 30+ pages, perfect for a weekend read. 

Happy Planting! 🌵

5 Dangers Of Overwatering A Cactus

Guides > Types of Cacti / Watering

Cacti plants are loved by many because of their low maintenance regime. These exotic beauties enjoy their sun bask sessions and the once in a while watering soaks. A lot of cacti plant owners, however, face a challenge of overwatering their cactus without even knowing it. And before they realize, the damage has spread and in some cases cannot be treated.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the dangers that result from the malpractice of overwatering, we shall look at what might be the root cause of this problem.

5 Dangers of Overwatering a Cactus
Overwatering A Cactus @_yunion

1. Using The Incorrect Watering Schedule

Applying water is a fundamental part of taking care of any plant, let alone a cactus plant. Although watering cactus is done less frequently when compared to a conventional plant because it is a hardy crop. The very anatomy of cacti succulents of fleshy and spiny stems give them the ability to go long periods without water. Consequently, if one uses the same plan to water cacti as other plants, they are bound to overwater it. They should adjust the schedule in accordance with the weather, humidity, location of growth, and finally, the particular growing cycle of the plant.

Be sure to check out “When You Should Water Your Succulents” for a more in-depth look at when you should water your cactus.

2. Using The Wrong Planters

Planters are yet another reason you will end up overwatering your cactus plant. Ideally, you should plant your crop in a container that is breathable and one that contains drainage holes. Clay pots with drainage holes are probably the best due to their porosity, followed by ceramic types.

The plastics and glass planters are the most disadvantaged as they do not facilitate breathability and drainage, especially if they lack drainage holes at the bottom. Wrong planters will, therefore, result in a waterlogged cactus as the water has nowhere to go to, and remains within the container.

Now that you know what may be the cause of overwatering, the following are the dangers your cacti are bound to face if the above is not corrected in due time.

Be sure to not miss our very own ebook that talks about “Different Types of Planters“. Take it with you today to never make a mistake with planters again.

5 Dangers of Overwatering a Cactus
Growth of Your Overwatering Cactus @zzsofig

3. Soggy & Droopy Cactus Plant

The super fast-growing cacti will have new growth of stems and branches that will, after some time, start to appear saturated and droopy. To touch, you will notice the typical study stems will now feel soft and mushy. The reason behind this is that the cells are filled up with the excess water molecules available and begin to bulge.

The cactus tissues consequently swell up, and when the pressure builds up, they rupture. The bursting distorts the plant’s internal transportation structure such that the cactus is unable to move water and nutrients from the roots to the individual plant parts. As a result, the cacti plants part start drooping and fall off one by one. For the larger cacti species, the whole plant slants and topples over because it becomes top-heavy. The heaviness is as a result of too much water content within the cactus stem walls.

Be sure to also check out our piece on “5 Tips on Saving Dying Succulents” for more helpful info after this article to help you save your succulents.

4. The Cactus Loses Color

Most cacti plants have different tones of greens ranging from the deep virid shades to the lighter lime hues. An overwatered cactus color will appear washed out and dull. The discolorations start of subtly such that the cactus owner may miss the differences between the original and the resulting color. Over time, the green color turns yellow due to chlorosis which may have been caused by the overwatering malpractice.

Chlorosis is the loss of the usual green coloration of the cactus, which results in stunted growth and hinders flower and fruit production of the cactus. This is as a result of too much water in the soil, which prevents the plant from absorbing nutrients properly. The succulent, therefore, cannot grow healthy because now it lacks the essential nutrients in the right amounts.

5 Dangers of Overwatering a Cactus
It Effects on Color Also @mmmayumiii0914

5. The Roots Rot & Die

When any plant organism is exposed to excess moisture, decomposition is bound to happen. Especially when those plant parts are as delicate as the roots are. A waterlogged soil to begin with experiences a deficient air supply and when the cactus roots are in contact with the soil particles, rotting begins.

The rotting attacks the cactus starting from the root tips spreading upwards. Because it happens below the surface, a plant owner may not realize the damage until it is too late. At its worst, the cactus becomes stunted; its stems fall off to touch, the plant turns black and eventually dies.

Make sure you check out “What is Root Rot & How Do You Fix it?” for a look at root rot and how it could affect all your succulents.

5 Dangers of Overwatering a Cactus
You Can Judge by The Roots @iiikericoto89

An overwatered cactus plant, however, does not have to die. If the damage is not widespread, a few things can be done by you to save your plant. First, you tone down on the watering frequency, change the location of the cactus, exposing it to more sunlight. If the soil is not to par, you should change the soil mix, and repot the plant in a container that has drainage holes.

But if nothing can be done, dispose off the cacti and the soil mix you used. And if you are to use the soil again, screen it to kill pathogens.

Well now that you know what happens to your cactus if you over water it, take better care of it so that it keeps on thriving adding dazzle on your windowsill.

Thank you for reading! If you’d like this read you’re going to love our full in-depth ebooks! With so many of our succulent lovers asking for more, we listened and can’t wait to share it with you here! With our very detailed ebooks, you’ll get more information than these short articles, some ebooks are 30+ pages, perfect for a weekend read.

Happy Planting! 🌵

Cottontop Cactus – Echinocactus Polycephalus

Guides > Types of Cacti

Cottontop and Cactus are two fascinating words to put together. Cotton is soft to touch, while a Cactus is prickly. It is not the softness of the cotton that is the key feature behind the name. It is the fruits that are densely woolly, which are the reference for cottontop.

This is a cactus that is native to Arizona, mainly found in the Mojave Desert. Being a desert plant, it can also be easily found in the Sonora Desert. That touches both California and Mexico. These cactuses are built to take the pressure of the elements, thriving in extremely arid environments.

Some of the other names for this plant include Many-Headed Barrel Cactus, Wooly Headed Barrel Cactus, or even Harem Cactus.

Cottontop Cactus - Echinocactus Polycephalus
Echinocactus Polycephalus @sunbird_cactus

Growth of The Echinocactus Polycephalus

This pretty prickly plant can be found growing close to the ground, standing at approximately 2 feet tall. It can grow as a solitary plant, or in a large cluster of up to 30 plants. It has spines that crisscross over each other, ordinarily red to yellow in color. To view the colors of the spines most clearly, this cactus should be viewed after a short spurt of rain. This is when it stands out in full glory against the dust of the desert. Underneath its spiny exterior, this is a stem succulent. Each stem can grow quite thick, reaching up to 1 foot in diameter. The stems also feature ribs that run from the bottom to the top.

Cottontop Cactus will flower from the late spring into the early summer each year. The flowers bloom from the top of the stems. The flowers are bright yellow in color.

Interested already in getting a cotton head cactus? Be sure to check out “8 Best Indoor Cacti You Need to Have” for more options on the cacti species.

Where most succulents and desert plants can be grown through propagation, you do not want to take that route with this plant. This does not even begin to describe the process. Instead, you can grow this cactus from seed. To do this, you need to plant the seed in a thin layer of sand. The soil should then be misted and covered with a lid. Remember, minimal water works best. Once they germinate and have grown a little, they can then be transplanted and placed in a bigger pot. No matter what size the plant is, always use gloves when handling this cactus.

Thinking of using grow lights to support your cactus? Check out “Are Grow Lights Bad for My Succulents” for more info.

Cottontop Cactus - Echinocactus Polycephalus
Development of Polycephalus Echinocactus @nemo_di_punta_grossa

Keeping an Echinocactus Polycephalus

The Echinocactus Polycephalus is an excellent plant for the beginner gardener, as it requires minimal care. It can be grown in a pot and requires sandy soil and minimal water. For it to thrive, the warmest room in the home is advised, where it can receive plenty of direct sunlight. A little shade during the hottest months can prevent the plant from getting burned or moving it back away from the window.

A key component of keeping this cactus is watering it properly to prevent damage or even death. Being a plant made for arid deserts, these plants need minimal water. In the hot summer months, once a week is adequate. After summer, once every two months is enough. However, in the winter, there is no need to water this plant as it becomes dormant.

Fertilizer is not required for this plant, as it naturally grows in areas where nutrients in the soil are low. If you do feel the need to give it a little boost in nutrients, do so once a year in the summer. Low nitrogen liquid fertilizer is the best option. Using this in spring will help boost it back into growth after the dormant winter.

Take a look at “How Long Do Succulents Live?” for a look at seeing how long your succulents will last you with proper care.

Outcomes

Unless your conditions perfectly mimic, the natural habitat of this plant, it is not recommended for a gardener to grow this plant outdoors. The simple reason is exposure to moisture and rain. Too much water and this plant will die. If you do want to keep them outdoors, they should be grown in terracotta pots. Then, when it rains, they can be easily moved away from the rain to keep their potting mix dry. Want more options for indoor succulents? Check out “9 Flowering Succulents for Indoors” for more options.

This is a plant that is rarely found in landscaping shops. If you are looking for the seeds, they will typically come in packs of ten. Expect around half of the seeds to germinate.

Cottontop Cactus - Echinocactus Polycephalus
Terms of Polycephalus Echinocactus @monycactus

Interesting Facts About the Echinocactus Polycephalus

  1. There are some fantastic facts about this plant, including -The ‘Cotton’ from this plant is gently picked by birds and small animals. Who use it for nesting material.
  2. The best place to grow this cactus is along a rocky slope.
  3. If your seeds do not germinate the first time, do not worry. Dry them out and try again within six. Some are bound to germinate then.
  4. Organic soil is a NO for the Cottontop Cactus. It will grow much better in stones and sand.
  5. When growing this plant indoors, a deep pot is ideal. It has long roots.
Cottontop Cactus - Echinocactus Polycephalus
Cottontop Cactus @gannzob29

Thank you for reading! Let us know in the comments below if you have a cottontop cactus laying around your succulent garden! Be sure to check out more helpful content for your succulents like “Best Gardening Tools for Succulents.

Enjoyed learning about the Cottontop Cactus? If so, you’ll really enjoy our ebook about “Rare Succulents You Wish You Knew About“. With this ebook you’ll find yourself more detailed answers that’ll help your succulent grow even better! With thousands of succulent lovers enjoying our ebooks, you don’t want to miss out on what works the best to grow your succulents.

Happy Planting! 🌵

Blooming Beauty: Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii)

Guides > Outdoor Succulents / Soil Mix / Types of Cacti

Moon cactus, also known as Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii or Hibotan cactus, is native to desert habitats in various parts of South America; Argentina to be precise. It belongs to the Gymnocalycium genus of globular cacti. They are succulent plants that are very colorful but lack the necessary chlorophyll to produce plant sugars through photosynthesis. This makes the plants to be grafted onto a species that provides plenty of chlorophyll upon which the moon cactus can sustain itself for several years.

The blooming beauty of Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii plants is seen in its vibrant bright colors of brilliant orange, hot pink and an almost neon yellow. The lack of chlorophyll causes this color difference. They are small plants, generally a half-inch across. This makes it common for them to make lovely window boxes or southern exposure houseplants and be sold as gift plants.

Blooming Beauty Moon Cactus Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii
The Beauty of Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii @flowers.cactus

Moon Cactus Has The Following Characteristics:

  1. This plant grows as a globular mass, reaching about two inches in size.
  2.  It tends to produce offsets that grow around the base of the globe where the sides of the globular shape feature seams with prickly quills.
  3. It has a thick base that makes the perfect host for the moon cactus.
  4. Moon cactus is typically grafted to another cactus-like Hylocereus undatus commonly known as the dragon fruit cactus.
  5. This plant may produce flowers from the sides giving it a blooming beauty but does not produce a scent.

Just like other plants, some factors determine the growth of the moon cactus as seen below.

Light

Moon cactus does well in bright but indirect sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant. A covered porch that has some shade or an area where direct sunlight is blocked is the best environment for a moon cactus to grow. If the plant is indoors, set it near a window to give it plenty of sunlight. Note that, if the plant does not get enough bright light, the color starts to fade.

Temperature

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii grows well at average room temperature throughout the year. For your cactus to survive through a winter freeze, bring it indoors or in the garage where the temperature drops below 40 degrees. Alternatively, you can cover them up with a light blanket or sheet to shield them from cold weather. When exposed to hard elements during a hard winter, the moon cactus will freeze.

Water

Just like other succulent plants, moon cactus requires water. Water it regularly throughout the spring and summer months. During the winter months, water less frequently. Ensure the soil is dry before watering the plant. Make use of unglazed pots with numerous drainage holes to prevent standing water at the base of the pot, which further prevents the roots from rotting. Putting a thin layer of gravel at the bottom of your container before adding the moon cactus plant is advisable as it aids in water drainage.

Soil

Moon cactus grows well in the regular commercial soil with good drainage. You can opt to use a mixture of pumice or perlite and regular potting soil.

Try making your own succulent soil at home by checking out “How to Make Your own Succulent Soil at Home“.

Blooming Beauty Moon Cactus Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii
Growth of Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii @plantvalley.shop

Glooming Maintenance & Propagation of Moon Cactus

To maintain the globular shape of the moon cactus, cut off the side shoots. When propagating, use the side shoots or the offsets growing from the plant. Use host plants for the side shoots like the Hylocereus undatus which offers a perfect base for them. Select host plants of the same thickness, height, and diameter.

Prepare the host plant before collecting the side shoots. Cutting at a slant, cut the top of the host plant, then carefully cut the side shoots from the mother plant. Press the two cut pieces together, setting the side shoot on the host plant. Press firmly but not too tight. Don’t allow the cuts of the host plant and the side shoots to dry before finishing the grafting process. To hold the two pieces together, secure the side shoots with a rubber band.

After several weeks, the side shoot should have started growing off the host plant. Remove the rubber band and follow the moon cactus care tips.

Be sure to check out our in-depth ebook on all things propagating. Don’t miss out on “The Right Way to Propagating Succulents Successfully” today!

Blooming Beauty Moon Cactus Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii
Maintenance & Propagation @little_gavin_cactus

Advantages of The Moon Cactus

Due to its fun appearance, it is made an excellent choice for any cactus or succulent garden. It is also seen great in window sills where it grows in a small pot.

The Shortcomings of The Moon Cactus

The major problem faced by the moon cactus is being infested with mealybugs and scales. You can deal with these infestations by use of tweezers, or cotton wool dipped in alcohol. If this does not curb the situation, use an insecticide as your last resort.

The other common problem is root rot which results from overwatering. Always be careful when watering your moon cactus. Want more info on root rot? Check out our piece “What is Root Rot & How Do You Fix it?” for more helpful info.

Blooming Beauty Moon Cactus Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii
The Moon Cactus @suzy2510

Despite these challenges, the moon cactus plant is easy to get, fun to own, and a colorful little plant to add to your collection. Besides, it has relatively low maintenance requirements.

Thank you for reading! Be sure to check out more pieces on the cacti species like “The Beautiful Blue Cacti—Pilosocereus” or even “Why Succulent Plants Are So Popular“.

Did this article help answer your succulent-care questions? We sure hope so! If not, no worries. Succulent City is devoted to aiding all succulent lovers, and that’s why we created a line of ebook guides! Check out our in-depth tips on “All the Types of Succulents for Indoor & Outdoor” or even “Rare Succulents You Wish You Knew About” today! 

Happy Planting! 🌵

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