Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dwarf chin cactus
BeginnerGymnocalycium baldianum
A small Gymnocalycium with a dark grey-green body that bears many deep purple-red flowers 3-4 cm across. It flowers even as a small plant.
About
Gymnocalycium baldianum is a small cactus from the mountains of Catamarca province in north-western Argentina (such as the Sierra de Ancasti), where it grows among grass at 500-2,000 m. The stem is flattened-globular, up to 13 cm wide and around 10 cm in Japanese cultivation, and usually stays single-headed. The body is greyish-brown to blue-green, in some plants almost black, with 9-10 broad ribs divided by deep grooves into tubercles. It has only 5-7 short spines that curve against the stem. From late spring to early summer it produces flowers 3-4 cm long and wide at the crown, usually rich purple-red but sometimes pink, white or orange. Plants as small as 2.5 cm flower, and seedlings can bloom a year after sowing. The synonym G. venturianum is common on labels, and many hybrids with other flower colours exist. It has long been widely produced in Japan and is sold at ordinary garden centres.
Size of the Dwarf chin cactus
The Dwarf chin cactus grows to Up to 13 cm wide (about 10 cm in Japanese cultivation).
Basic Info
Origin
Catamarca province, north-western Argentina (500-2,000 m)
Lifespan
Perennial (little published data on lifespan)
Size
Up to 13 cm wide (about 10 cm in Japanese cultivation)
Temperature
5〜35℃
Humidity
30〜50%
Watering & Fertilizer
Slow-release organic fertiliser at repotting; potassium-rich feed in summer
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
From spring to autumn keep it in a bright, airy place sheltered from rain. It dislikes intense light, so give partial shade or about 30% shading in midsummer.
Watering
Water thoroughly once the soil is completely dry during the spring-autumn growing season; keep it almost dry in midsummer and winter.
Temperature & Overwintering
Move it into a sunny frame or indoors when temperatures drop below 10°C. Kept dry it tolerates cold fairly well.
Soil & Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years, mixing slow-release organic fertiliser into the new soil.
Propagation
It rarely offsets, so raise it from seed. Seedlings grow quickly and the earliest flower in about a year.
Pests & Cautions
It is prone to scale insects; check the spine bases and the grooves between tubercles from time to time.
Dwarf chin cactus FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Dwarf chin cactus?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Dwarf chin cactus get?
The mature size of Dwarf chin cactus is Up to 13 cm wide (about 10 cm in Japanese cultivation). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Dwarf chin cactus?
Dwarf chin cactus: watering & fertilizer — Slow-release organic fertiliser at repotting; potassium-rich feed in summer. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Dwarf chin cactus?
The price of Dwarf chin cactus varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Gymnocalycium baldianum (Speg.) Speg.
Synonyms: Echinocactus baldianus Speg., Echinocactus sanguiniflorus Werderm., Gymnocalycium venturianum Backeb.
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Gymnocalycium baldianum
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II as part of Cactaceae spp. International trade requires permits; no registration is needed for transfers within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Gymnocalycium baldianum
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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