Moon Cactus
4.9 out of 5 (20 experiences)
Survivor
Easy to propagate
Also known as
Chin Cactus and Plaid Cactus
Taxonomy
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Gymnocalycium
Cactaceae
Caryophyllales
What other plant parents say
Survivor 15
Easy to propagate 5
Fast grower 4
Blooms easily 3
Pet friendly 2
@Tori
Carmel, IN
02/17/2021
My moon cactus has gone virtually unchanged in the almost year I’ve had it. Super hardy and always colorful. Imperceptibly slow grower, which can be good or bad depending on what you want out of it!
03/13/2021
It’s gorgeous and has lots of color variety. Very easy to care for just don’t overwater it out in harsh sunlight. A window sill will be just fine :)
@Silentcynde…
El Paso, TX
04/15/2021
The moon cactus is as sturdy as they come! and comes in a variety of colors! I would recommend this for plant lovers or first time caretakers.
04/05/2021
this plant is very easy to take care of bc it’s low maintenance. it doesn’t gain height fast, but the spikes grow kinda fast
@Bronwen_blo…
Chico, CA
04/12/2021
You have to keep the soil moist, but it can stay moist for a good amount of time. Don’t water it if the soil is moist
02/27/2021
they’re very pretty and very forgiving for forgetful plant parents that miss watering days.
@Bigred
Indianapolis, IN
04/20/2021
super easy to care for. loves my grow light. never had any problems with my little Poppy
02/24/2021
I love my moon cactus. It is very pretty and i personally find it easy to take care of.
@Paris
Scottsdale, AZ
02/14/2021
Small spines but hard to kill as long as it gets good light!
@Jessie
Richfield, MN
03/24/2021
So easy to take care of!!
How to care for Moon Cactus
Water
How often to water your Moon Cactus
every 9
Moon Cactus needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9
Light
Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.
Select a city to check sunlight intensity
Finding light for Moon Cactus in your home
a window
Moon Cactus may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your city to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Moon Cactus in your home 🏡.
Nutrients
How to fertilize Moon Cactus
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Moon Cactus after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Care Summary for Moon Cactus
Moon Cactus
Greg recommends:
Water
0.5 cups every 9 days
Placement
< 3ft from a window
Nutrients
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
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