€15,90

Gymnocalycium saglionis (Cels) Britton & Rose 

🌱 Morphology
It is one of the largest Gymnocalyciums, slow-growing and generally solitary. The body is globose, depressed, or in very old specimens, shortly cylindrical, ranging in color from dull green to bluish-green, and can typically reach 30–40 cm in diameter, although exceptional specimens exceeding 50 cm exist. It features numerous low, wide ribs divided into large polygonal tubercles. The areoles develop 8–15 radial spines and 1–6 central spines that are robust, arched, and yellowish, reddish, brown, or black in color, turning gray with age.

🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
It is endemic to northwestern Argentina, with a presence in Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca, La Rioja, and San Juan. It inhabits rocky areas of the Monte and Chaco forests, usually between 500 and 2,600 m of altitude, frequently protected among shrubs and other larger plants.
Family Cactaceae · Subfamily Cactoideae · Tribe Cereeae ·

❄️ Temperature · USDA Zone 8a
It tolerates minimum temperatures of down to −12 ºC for brief periods and with the substrate completely dry. In cultivation, it is advisable to exercise extreme caution with winter humidity, although its high-altitude distribution explains a notable resistance to dry cold.

☀️ Lighting
It needs high light levels and can be grown in full sun, although in its habitat, it often grows partially protected by vegetation. In Madrid, soft direct sun or bright partial shade is recommended during the central hours of summer, especially for young specimens. A PAR radiation of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ (DLI) is recommended.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. During active growth, it is recommended to water abundantly and allow the substrate to dry completely before the next watering. In autumn, watering is progressively reduced until it remains dry throughout the winter. The cold and dry period also helps induce flowering.

🌸 Flowering
The flowers appear forming a crown around the apex, although the numerous spines can make them difficult to open. They are campanulate or broadly funnel-shaped, white to white-pink, frequently with reddish tones in the throat, and measure approximately 3–4 cm. Flowering occurs mainly between March and May, although it can be prolonged depending on the climate. It can begin to flower relatively young, around 2–3 years under favorable conditions. The flowers remain open for several days and multiple flowers can bloom throughout the season. It is a self-incompatible species, so it needs pollen from another genetically different specimen to produce seeds.

🌿 Nutrition
During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Cactáceas NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) is recommended once a month along with watering. Assimilable calcium promotes the formation of firm tissues and the maintenance of turgidity, while magnesium participates in chlorophyll synthesis. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Floración.

🪴 Pot
9x9 cm gourmet black pot

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the sent specimen may vary slightly from the product image. The measurements of the plant are specified in the photo description, but this may also vary slightly because, after all, it is a living being! Each of the Desert CITY plants has unique characteristics.

• Hassle-free returns

• Free Shipping on orders over €79.99

• Secure and protected payment guaranteed.