These plants are fresh imports and have minimal roots, but are all healthy.
Origin and Natural Habitat
Gymnocalycium friedrichii VOS1241 is native to Agua Dulce in Paraguay.
Plant Characteristics
Gymnocalycium friedrichii VOS1241 is a special form of this species with attractive stem markings, dark black colouration, highly protruding ribs, and white tufts on the areoles.
Care Guide
Light
Gymnocalycium can tolerate full morning sun if carefully adjusted to it, but a plant grown in some shade or a newly replanted specimen should not be placed in full sun immediately. It is best to grow them under 40%-60% shade cloth.
Soil
Gymnocalycium friedrichii is a relatively easy to grow cactus, but should only be planted in a gritty, inorganic soil medium that drains well, such as Ibaraki Akadama or Hyuga pumice.
Water
You should thoroughly soak the soil when watering. Only water this species in the spring and summer growing season, and keep dry in autumn and winter. Gymnocalycium are extremely prone to rot if watered in winter.
Pot size
Gymnocalycium are small cacti, even when mature. This species tends to remain solitary and not produce offsets. Small plants can be grown in 10cm pots until they start to grow near the edges of the pot, at which point they can be moved to larger pots. They should only be planted in a pot that is 3-5cm wider than their stem diameter.
Temperature
This speciesβ ideal temperature ranges between 25 – 35Β°C. It can tolerate 5 β 35Β°C. It is very sensitive to frost.
Humidity
Gymnocalycium friedrichii are sensitive to humidity, particularly during winter. This species tends to rot in high humidity. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during autumn or winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Gymnocalycium friedrichii grow actively in spring and summer, and are fully dormant in autumn and winter.
In South Africa, their growing season is from October until late February.
Propagation
Gymnocalycium friedrichii are best propagated from seed.
Seed germination: Seeds should be sown in early spring. Plant them in a well-drained coco peat based mix in an airtight container. Once most of the seeds have germinated, remove the lid of the container to allow airflow. Gently mist the seedlings every few days so that the soil does not dry out completely. Plant out after 1 year.