Gymnocalycium, commonly called chin cactus, is a genus of about 70 South American species of cacti. The genus name Gymnocalycium (from Greek, “naked calyx”) refers to the flower buds bearing no hair or spines. Their main area of distribution is Argentina, part of Uruguay, Paraguay, southern Bolivia and part of Brazil. Most species are rather small varying from 4 to 15 centimetres in size. They are popular for their easy flowering habits, and the flowers are generally brightly coloured. Gymnocalycium species are slow to get to a reasonable size. It will offset after a considerable period of time. They are summer growers and needs regular water in summer (but do not over-water). Keep rather dry in winter. They do not like extremely bright situations. Give them some shade during the hottest part of the day. Keep them in low PH compost; otherwise growth will stop altogether. Feed it with a high potassium fertilizer in summer. It is quite frost resistant if kept dry (hardy to -5° C). They are best grown in pots and also do well in rockeries.

Gymnocalycium baldianum is an exceptionally free flowering species that puts on a grand show ever so often. I personally suggest this specie to any cactophile. It’s a very eye-catching cactus and will flower even at a very small size. This cactus is frost resistant to -10° C, requires full sun to light shade and offers no cultivation difficulties.