In desert areas, a special kind of plant exists that is called the moon cactus. These indoor plants have a fascinating secret. They don’t possess the power to produce their chlorophyll. To make up for this, they depend on a method called “grafting”. It’s like they form a unique partnership with another plant to stay alive.
Looking like a ball on a green stand, this cactus is native to South America and known as Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii and Ruby Ball Cactus. It is unique for its chlorophyll-lacking mutants. Mutants are nothing but the Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii. The bottom stem-like green part is a different species that contains chlorophyll.
Why Do You Invest in Moon Cactus?
The colourful mutant of the moon cactus attached to the green host is the best part of this succulent. Globose mutants show yellow, red, and orange colours, depending on the species. This mutant has edged ribs and some thorns. This cactus gives you the pink attached colouring flowers in the springtime.
Anyone can plant this succulent as a potted or basket plant as it is a short-lived succulent. The removal of two grafted botanical parts within some years inevitably leads to the demise of this beautiful cactus unless it undergoes regrafting onto a fresh rootstock.
Encountering these types of colourful cacti means welcoming two plants united in a single pot. For succulent agriculturalists, this cactus is an easy option to cultivate and grow. You need to have the essential knowledge and discover everything to succeed in their care and growth from here.
Different colours of moon cactus
Orange moon cactus:
The Orange Cactus, also known as Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii, is a long-lasting plant with vibrant colours. It grows up to 8 inches and gives any space a unique look. Expect blooms in April, May, or summer. Place it near a window with moderate light to let its beauty shine.
Yellow Moon Cactus:
The colourful globe of the yellow moon cactus sits on a green base and doesn’t have chlorophyll, but it still shines. The coloured globe of this cacti depends on its green partner for photosynthesis. Despite that, its cheerful blooms shine like bright sunshine.
Temperature and Humidity
Moon cacti flourish in a favourable warm environment. Their preferred temperature range falls between 20°C to 35°C. This variety can tolerate high temperatures but not winter frost. The indoor environment causes no harm to the cactus. Keep the cactus protected from cold drafts and cold temperatures less than 10°C.
The sudden temperature changes affect the blooming of the cactus. Less humidity is very beneficial for the health of the moon cactus. High humidity levels can be harmful to this cactus and increase its chances of getting attacked by pests and diseases. The ideal for this cactus is moderate to low this humid atmosphere mixes with good air circulation.
Lighting
You need to give the proper lighting to the moon cactus. Its upper part can’t tolerate plenty of sun whereas the lower part wants sunlight to thrive. The indoor setting will be more suitable than the outdoor setting for this flowering cactus. Direct sunlight can fade the attractive colour of the mutant. Avoid direct sunlight as much as you can for outdoor planting. Good shading can save this cactus from outdoor sunburn.
Watering
Like the other succulents, the Moon cacti have low watering requirements. Before watering this cactus again, it’s important to check the soil. If the soil is dry, you can water this plant again. The dormant period needs less amount of water than spring and summer.
Too much water for this cactus type is a big ‘no’ as it can harm the plant. The rot root comes to surprise you if you let the soil wet or keep the cactus in water standing area. Good drainage is a crucial factor in growing this cactus.
High-temperature outdoor sights need to be watered regularly except for the small potted cactus, placed in the shade. Misting is not necessary in the winter season. However, you can only stick to misting instead of watering in the winter season.
Fertilization
Frequent fertilization is not necessary for the moon cactus. But if you want, fertilisation helps its growth. The growing period of this cactus is the perfect time to apply the fertilizer. Suspend the fertilization in the dormant period.
Potting and Repotting
Succulent or cactus potting mix is the best medium to pot these cacti. Fast-drained soil with less pH is quite helpful for planting and a plastic container or clay pot with drainage holes is ideal for the health of this beautiful plant.
Moon cactus is not a fast-growing plant so, you don’t need to worry about repotting frequently. The repotting should be done in the summer every 2 to 3 years. Your cactus won’t survive long if you don’t regraft the cactus to a new host.
For repotting, slightly remove the cactus from the dry soil of the pot. Cut the dead or rotten roots before replacing them with the new medium and use the fungicide or pesticide on the affected areas. For successful reporting, spread the roots and water them after a week.
Pest and diseases
Mealybugs and spider mites can affect the moon cactus in a broad sense. As a remedy for these pests, you can use homemade pesticides or neem oil. Rot root due to overwatering is the common disease of this cactus. In case of intense damage, remove the rock stock cactus and place the mutant on a new host. Reducing the watering for some days helps to prevent the root rot problem. Colour fading is other problems with the cactus caused by too much powerful sunlight. Provide an outdoor shade or indoor area to solve this problem.
Propagation
If you ever noticed the extra small parts on the mutant then you can use it for propagation. Small mutants should be attached to a host or any part of the host. Another option to propagate this cactus is to cut both the upper and lower sections and fasten them until their union happens.
Extra Maintenance Care
Pruning the low portion after some months and in the repotting time gives additional care to the moon cactus. You can also repot the pruned part on a new pot. One thing is to remember that the upper colorful mutants can not live without the green host but only the green host can survive without the mutant. For caring, make sure that you regraft your cactus before the separation of the mutant and the green stem-like host, or, your succulent will eventually die. These cacti are suited for low-level humidity levels. So, having a humidity monitor and adjusting the humidity limit to a justified level according to the requirements is essential to maintain the good health of this cactus.
