Spider-cactus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spider-cactus |
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| Genus: |
Gymnocalycium
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| Species: |
baldianum
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Gymnocalycium baldianum, also known as the spider-cactus or dwarf chin cactus, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. This cool cactus comes from the Catamarca Province in Argentina.
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What is a Spider Cactus?
This cactus is shaped like a ball, or sometimes a bit flat, and can grow up to 8 cm (about 3 inches) wide. It's usually dark green, but can sometimes be brown. It has 8 to 10 ridges, called ribs. Along these ribs are small bumps, or tubercles, with special spots called areoles. From these spots grow groups of 6 to 8 pale grey, curved spines. These spines look a bit like spider legs, which is how it got its common name, the spider-cactus!
Unlike some plants, this cactus usually grows as a single plant. However, after a few years, it might grow small new plants next to it, called "offsets." The flowers of the spider cactus are shaped like funnels and can grow up to 6 cm (about 2.4 inches) wide. They grow near the top of the plant and can be red, pink, or orange.
How to Grow a Spider Cactus
Gymnocalycium baldianum is quite easy to grow, making it a great plant for beginners!
Soil and Watering
It needs soil that drains water well, so its roots don't sit in too much moisture. During the summer, water your cactus well. But make sure the soil dries out completely before you water it again. Once a month, you can give it a special fertilizer made for cacti.
Winter Care
In winter, it's best to keep your cactus dry. It can handle cold temperatures down to −10 °C (14 °F), but it's much happier if it doesn't freeze.
Sunlight Needs
This cactus loves sunlight! In summer, it needs a sunny spot. In winter, it should still be in a brightly lit place.
This species has won an important award called the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. This means it's a great plant for gardens and is easy to grow well.
Gallery
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See also
In Spanish: Gymnocalycium baldianum para niños
