Gymnocalycium andreae, 2 stems
Origin: Cordoba and San Luis provinces of northern Argentina.
Gymnocalycium andreae grows in the highest regions of the Sierra Grandes of Córdoba, between 4800-6300 feet above sea level. It is usually found in rock crevices, as well as in rich, humusy soils. G. andreae is a low growing cactus, usually solitary in habitat, but often branching basally in cultivation to form clusters to 15 cm or more wide. This species is one of just a few of its genus with yellow flowers.
G. andreae is one of the easiest cacti to grow. Plant in a loose, fertile soil mix, and water and feed regularly during the growing season with a quarter-strength, balanced fertilizer. Most of the mix should be inorganic, for example: perlite, small gravel, coarse sand, scoria (black or red volcanic gravel and sand), pumice, topsoil and/or calcined clay products such as Turface. The rest can be up to 25% organic ingredients such as coco coir, peat moss, or well-rotted compost or commercial cactus potting mix. The organic ingredients can help maintain a slightly acidic pH balance which is desirable for this genus. This cactus prefers bright, but filtered or diffused sunlight, and some light shade is okay, particularly on hot summer afternoons. It can withstand temperatures down to at least 15°F for a few hoursif kept dry and cool during winter dormancy.
After potting do not water for 7-10 days to allow roots to heal since unhealed wet roots are susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections. Keep young seedlings in a shady spot during that time, not in direct sun. Plants should be acclimated gradually to full sunlight since they have been in a greenhouse for most of their lives.
Cacti are shipped using the most appropriate and protective packaging. Occasionally, they may suffer small nicks or broken spines but will heal as they grow and you likely won’t remember where the damage was. After potting and a 7-10-day rest period to let roots heal, watering and feeding will help restore them to their normal vibrance and robustness.