Among the variety of indoor flowers, cacti stand out with their original look. Of all the representatives of this family, the Mikhanovich Gymnocalycium deserves special attention - a plant native to South America. Due to its attractive appearance, it has been enjoying great popularity among exotic lovers recently.
Description
Wild representatives of cacti grow in groups, forming picturesque compositions on stony highlands. By cultivating succulents at home, you can create something similar in a city apartment.
The plant looks quite unusual. It is a spherical stem of a chlorophyll-free form, having a red, orange or yellow color. Its diameter is usually about 6 cm. Large ribs having a triangular section are clearly visible on it. Like many other representatives of the cactus family, Mikhanovich Gymnocalycium is covered with grayish spines, which grow 5 pieces from each areola. With age, their number decreases. The originality of this species of cacti also lies in the fact that it does not differ in independence and can only grow if it is grafted onto another succulent that feeds itself and the top. As a result, both halves develop equally. With good care of this plant, you can observe how the cactus blooms. This usually happens in the summer. Funnel-shaped flowers of white, greenish, pink or yellow color appear at the top of the plant. Sometimes they are quite large - up to 7 cm in diameter.
Lighting requirements
These indoor flowers are designed for southern exposure windows, because a cactus is a photophilous plant. But from midday sunlight it is recommended to shade it, otherwise burns are not excluded. They are dry brownish spots that pass quickly if you remove the flower in partial shade. Nevertheless, the cactus Gymnocalicium Mikhanovich needs good lighting all year round, and especially during the flowering period. With a lack of light, the plant loses its shape, its tissues become softer, and the risk of various diseases appears.
Temperature mode
This is an equally important factor for growing cactus. It is closely related to the degree of illumination - the more light, the higher the temperature required to ensure high-quality photosynthesis. Although the cactus is a Gymnocalicium and a heat-loving plant, it can feel great at 15 and at 30 ° C. The main condition is that the temperature is constant, because the plant tolerates its jumps quite painfully. In winter, when the dormant phase sets in, it is advisable to provide cooler conditions of detention.
On hot days, it is necessary to ventilate the room where the cactus grows. The circulation of air will protect it from overheating. At the same time, it is very important to prevent drafts, avoiding the influx of cold air from the street on winter days.
Watering
Gimnokalitsium Mikhanovich is not afraid of drought and is much harder to tolerate excess moisture - the roots rot from it, and gradually this leads to the death of the whole plant. Watering is required moderate so that the soil has time to dry out. In summer, it is produced as necessary, depending on the state of the earthen coma, once a month in winter is enough. It matters not only how often to water the cactus, but also what kind of water. It should be settled at room temperature. With a high rate of water hardness, a little vinegar or citric acid is added to it. Gymnocalycium is undemanding to air humidity. Spraying the plant is enough only to remove the accumulated dust from it.
Top dressing
For cacti, there are special fertilizers. During the growing season they are used about 1-2 times a month. In winter, feeding is stopped, because at this time the plant needs rest. Recommended dosages are indicated on the packaging, they must be adhered to. It is permissible to reduce the concentration, but in no case do not allow an excess of fertilizers. This can lead to various plant diseases. You can see how the cactus blooms, only following the rules for fertilizing. Mineral and organic top dressing must be alternated. They must have low acidity, as well as the soil itself.
Mineral fertilizer is best absorbed in liquid form, so it is previously dissolved in warm water (rain or boiled). Top dressing is carried out in the afternoon or in the evening. The next day, it is recommended to spray the plant with water.
Breeding
On the mother plant, lateral layers are sometimes formed. In the spring, the growth point (areola) is carefully cut off and, after a little drying, grafted onto any kind of unpretentious green cactus. In this way, offspring are usually obtained from non-chlorophyll forms, which include the Mikhanovich Gymnocalycium. Reproduction by children is one of the most popular ways. You can plant such layers immediately in a prepared and slightly moistened substrate. It is a mixture taken in equal parts of humus, peat, sod, leafy soil and coarse sand. The special substrate for cacti purchased in the store can be dry, so it is recommended to dilute it with leaf humus or garden soil. It is enough to just put the baby on moist soil, and after a while it will take root.
This plant propagates with the help of seeds. Such offspring are stronger, healthier and better. Sow seeds directly to the surface of the soil. The pot is covered with a film or glass, moistening the substrate from the atomizer as necessary. About a month after sowing, the first seedlings appear, and already in the second year of life, the Gymnocalycium can please with flowers. Care for a young cactus is the same as for an adult plant.
It is better to choose a small volume for transplanting grown seedlings. It is desirable that it be cylindrical and shallow.
Disease
In most cases, any disturbances in the health of the cactus are associated with improper care. Excess moisture leads to root rot. First, a soft dark spot appears in the lower part of the trunk, and if no measures are taken, then the plant gradually dies. It is necessary to remove the cactus from the ground as soon as possible and carefully rinse the roots, freeing them from the old soil. Trim the parts affected by rot and, after drying the rhizome slightly, place the plant in a new substrate.
A spot that appears around the areola may be the result of a sunburn or some kind of mechanical damage. But if it increases in size - this indicates a fungal infection. Gimnokalitsium Mikhanovich in this case must be treated with special drugs.
Despite its small size, this indoor flower is able to decorate any interior with its appearance. He is completely unpretentious, so even a beginner can grow it. It is enough to know about the basic requirements for lighting, temperature, soil composition, how often to water a cactus and properly apply fertilizing.