Gymnocalycium mihanovichii - Grafted Moon Cactus [orange]

Highlights

Orange Grafted Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii and Hylocereus): Grafted cactus about 3.0" tall with a bright orange G. mihanovichii atop green Hylocereus root stock. The mutant cacti on top have no chlorophyll which exposes the orange pigmentation. Since chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis, these cactus can only survive because they are grafted onto a Hylocereus cactus with normal chlorophyll.

This cactus variety will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures it can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. Cactus need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 70% to 80% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply and wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again.

Full Cactus Guide

Product Size

2.5" Pot

Current Primary Color

Orange / Copper

All Seasonal Colors

Green

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Bright Indoor Light, Full Sun

Growth Habit / Shape

Vertical Grower / Tall Stem

Special Characteristic

Slow Grower, Variegated

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+

10

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Popular Questions

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3 years ago

How tall gymnocalycium mihanovochii can grow? See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

They don't get much taller than they are once they get to your door. The moon cactus itself may grow a bit bigger but it's very slow to do so. The rootstock cactus (Hylocereus spp., most commonly Hylocereus undatus) won't grow taller because the moon cactus is blocking its upward progress. It may grow branches instead. See full answer »

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1 year ago

will the orange grow See answer

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1 year ago  •  Staff Answer

The top, orange part can grow in full sun, but it grows very slowly. See full answer »

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3 years ago

My moon flower died and fell off green stem. Now there is a scab there at top of stem. What should I do See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Don't water it for a couple weeks and let that scab dry out. Unfortunately, the moon cactus won't return as it was a separate cactus that was grafted onto the green stemmed cactus. However, the good news is that green stem is still alive and is a beautiful Hylocereus!

Give it full sun and water only when the soil has been dry for a couple of days and it should produce a branch or two and start growing from there. Hylocereus are known for their gorgeous, showy flowers. We can't be sure which Hylocereus it is however, so it'll be a surprise what the flower will look like exactly. See full answer »

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3 years ago

If arm grows from base, can it be harvested and replanted? See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Yes! However, it's worth noting that the arm won't technically be grafted moon cactus. In fact, it won't be moon cactus at all!

Moon cactus refers only to the upper, brightly colored ball cactus. This cactus is so variegated that it can't do photosynthesis on its own. Because of this, it's grafted onto the green stem, which is a totally different cactus, which can do photosynthesis for itself and the moon cactus. This green stemmed cactus is the one that's branching.

If I had to guess what the green cactus is, I'd say it's Hylocereus guatemalensis, or purple dragon fruit. However, it could be another Hylocereus. It's care will be the same as your grafted moon cactus but it may grow much faster and larger without having to "care" for that moon cactus. It should be able to flower as well and may even produce edible fruit! See full answer »

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2 years ago

How to care for this cactus. I found this on the ground at Walmart See answer

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Like all cacti, this plant requires little water and lots of light. A south facing window or a southern outdoor exposure is ideal. It will not tolerate freezing temperatures nor consistently moist soil. Use a gritty soil that drains water well and be sure the pot you plant it in has a drainage hole.

It's important to note that the green stem and the ball on top are two separate cacti that have been grafted together, because the ball cactus cannot survive on its own. If the ball cactus dies, the green stem will live on. This green stem is, likely, Hylocereus undatus. That's a climbing, vine cactus also known as dragon fruit. See full answer »

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1 year ago

How big of a planter does one of these gymnocalycium mihanovochii need? See answer

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1 year ago  •  Staff Answer

It'll come to you in a 2.5" pot, and it won't need a container that's too much larger than that. A 3.5" pot would likely be the best and there's no reason to go over a 5" pot if you're planting it by itself. More soil means more water retention, which can increase the chance of rot. See full answer »

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4 years ago

What kind of soil should I use with succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Shop Succulent Soil Here

Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.

IN POTS…

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4 years ago

When should I plant my succulents after they arrive? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Our plants can be transplanted immediately upon arrival.
If you want to wait to transplant, they can remain in their original containers for up to a month. If the pots came in a plastic carrier tray, remove the pots from the carrier tray prior to the first watering.

Keep the plants indoors near a sunny window or outdoors under a roof (only if outdoor temperatures stay above your succulent's minimum hardiness temperature). Water only after the soil is fully dry by drenching from above with a faucet, hose, or watering can. Gently shake excess water from the leaves and allow containers to drain completely.

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4 years ago

Do I need to fertilize succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Fertilizing is not necessary, but it is a good option for succulent growers who want to encourage faster, larger growth. It can be used on mature plants with established roots. Only fertilize in the growing season (spring and summer for most varieties) to avoid weakening or burning dormant plants. Use a light touch and make 2-3 applications of low-Nitrogen, diluted fertilizer each year (N-P-K ratio around 5-10-10). You can find specially-formulated cactus / succulent fertilizers in most garden centers or go organic with compost tea or bone meal.

Example: Miracle-Gro Quick Start, diluted to half strength

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4 years ago

How to water succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Succulents need deep, infrequent watering, especially during their growing season and when they are young and establishing roots. Only water after the soil is completely dry and the plant feels less firm. Err on the side of underwatering. Watering too frequently is the most common way to kill succulents.

HOW TO WATER SUCCULENTS

• Drench from above using a faucet, hose, or watering can
• Do not mist with a spray bottle (the only exception is for Air Plants)
• Water until it drains from the container's drainage hole. If your container does not have a drainage hole (not recommended), use about 1/3 the volume of the container…

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