This solitary globular cactus is blue green with a velvety texture and has 10 to 12 broad ribs with tubercles. The ribs are armed with dark tipped whitish spines and the white to pale pink funnel-shaped flowers appear during the daylight in summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Gymnocalycium castellanosii is naturally found in South America growing in northern Argentina on rocky slopes and grasslands from sea level to an altitude of 1000 m (3,300 ft).

It prefers a well drained, fertile moist light gritty soils in a semi shaded to full sun, open position and is light frost and drought resistant.

This Chin Cactus is grown for its flowers and rounded habit. It is planted in arid gardens or semi shaded rockeries and is commonly grown as a potted specimen plant. It is suitable for coastal low mountain regions establishing in 3-5 years and is long lived It is also grown in botanical collections or used as an indoor plant with bright filtered light.ID 2079

Gymnocalycium(gim-nô-ka-LI-kee-um) castellanosii (KAS-tel-lah-NOH-see-eye)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)