Botanical Name: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Common Names: Chin Cactus, Moon Cactus (green forms)
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is a small, globular cactus native to Paraguay and northern Argentina. It has a flattened, ribbed body with short, curved spines and is best known as the species used to create the popular grafted “moon cactus” cultivars. In its natural green form, it produces delicate, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pale pink to white during the warmer months. Compact and slow-growing, it is well suited for small containers and cactus collections. Mature plants typically reach 2–4 inches tall and 3–5 inches wide.
Care and Cultivation:
Prefers bright light with some protection from intense midday sun
Water sparingly during active growth; allow soil to dry between waterings
Use a fast-draining cactus soil mix
Ideal for small pots and indoor cactus displays
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Best suited for USDA Zones 9–11
Can tolerate brief cold down to about 30°F (-1°C) when kept dry
Protect from freezing temperatures and winter moisture
Ideal growing temperatures: 65–90°F (18–32°C)
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Enters dormancy in winter
Reduce watering significantly during cold months
Cool, dry conditions encourage healthy growth
Resume watering gradually in spring
Notes:
Parent species of grafted moon cactus cultivars
Compact, spineless to lightly spined appearance
Slow-growing and long-lived
Excellent for collectors and windowsills
Botanical Name: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Common Names: Chin Cactus, Moon Cactus (green forms)
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is a small, globular cactus native to Paraguay and northern Argentina. It has a flattened, ribbed body with short, curved spines and is best known as the species used to create the popular grafted “moon cactus” cultivars. In its natural green form, it produces delicate, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pale pink to white during the warmer months. Compact and slow-growing, it is well suited for small containers and cactus collections. Mature plants typically reach 2–4 inches tall and 3–5 inches wide.
Care and Cultivation:
Prefers bright light with some protection from intense midday sun
Water sparingly during active growth; allow soil to dry between waterings
Use a fast-draining cactus soil mix
Ideal for small pots and indoor cactus displays
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Best suited for USDA Zones 9–11
Can tolerate brief cold down to about 30°F (-1°C) when kept dry
Protect from freezing temperatures and winter moisture
Ideal growing temperatures: 65–90°F (18–32°C)
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Enters dormancy in winter
Reduce watering significantly during cold months
Cool, dry conditions encourage healthy growth
Resume watering gradually in spring
Notes:
Parent species of grafted moon cactus cultivars
Compact, spineless to lightly spined appearance
Slow-growing and long-lived
Excellent for collectors and windowsills
