Black Chin Cactus

We ship nationwide throughout South Africa via a network of well-known and trusted courier partners and offer very competitive pricing.

Costs: Shipping prices start from R90 and are calculated based on the weight of your order. Orders are processed on Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays to ensure plants never spend too much time in their box.

Collections: Salt River, Cape Town. No Charge. We'll notify you once your order is ready, usually 1-3 days from the order.

About your parcel: Plants are all shipped in their pots, securely wrapped and padded in their box to ensure that they don't move around during the shipping process.

NB. When unboxing your plants - never put them in direct sun immediately as this might scorch them - always gradually introduce them to sun over a period of two weeks.

Light Requirements

Meet the Black Chin Cactus, your new fun-loving, sun-worshipping buddy! Gymnocalycium gibbosum var. nobile absolutely adores bright, indirect sunlight. Picture it sipping a cool drink (of water, of course) under a parasol. Direct, scorching sunlight? Not its vibe. Keep it in a spot where it can catch those sun rays but isn't baking in them.

Growing Season and Dormancy

The Black Chin Cactus comes alive in summer! This is its main growing season, and it'll show its gratitude for your care with a growth spurt. Come winter, though, it likes to hit the snooze button and go dormant. Kind of like us wishing we could hibernate when the temperatures drop!

Flowers

This little guy knows how to show off! In late spring and summer, it flaunts gorgeous large flowers. You'll be absolutely charmed by the beautiful hues of white, pink, or occasionally even a show-stopping red. It's like having your own miniature fireworks display right at home!

Water Requirements

The Black Chin Cactus is pretty chill when it comes to water. Think of it as the low-maintenance friend who only wants to catch up every now and then. Water it thoroughly, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. And in winter, while it's dormant? It'll happily snooze through a dry spell with no complaints.

Toxicity

Fear not, pet owners! Gymnocalycium gibbosum var. nobile is non-toxic to both cats and dogs. It’s also safe for humans, so no worries if your toddler has a curious mouth. However, remember it's a cactus, and it does have spines. You might not want to get too close and personal, unless you fancy a prickly encounter!

Hardiness

Here's the deal: the Black Chin Cactus is a bit of a softy when it comes to cold temperatures. Frost? No thank you! It prefers it warm and cozy, ideally between 20°C and 30°C. But it's tough in its own way, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C for short periods of time. So while it can't join you for a snowball fight, it'll still be waiting for you, cozy and content, when you come back inside!

Scientific Name

The Black Chin Cactus goes by the official scientific name of Gymnocalycium gibbosum var. nobile.

 

Common Names

While its scientific name might be a mouthful, it's more commonly known as the Chin Cactus, which was inspired by its unique shape.

 

Origin & Habitat

Native to the mountains of Argentina, all the way down to Patagonia, the Chin Cactus is a survivor, having adapted to a variety of habitats. From the low elevations of Buenos Aires, just 50 meters above sea level, to the semi-arid zones of La Pampa and Río Negro, where it experiences heavy snows, frosts, and winds, this cactus is a testament to hardiness and adaptability.

 

Unique Physical Characteristics

With its intriguingly rounded shape, the Black Chin Cactus embodies beauty in symmetry. Long white spines radiate from its dark, olive-green body, which is characterized by a darker base. These stunningly large flowers come in a variety of hues1, adding a pop of color to the otherwise stoic exterior of the cactus. What sets this cactus apart, however, is the absence of spines on its flower buds, a trait that led to its unique moniker.

 

Size & Growth Style

These dwarf plants manage to make a big statement despite their small size. Typically reaching heights of between 4cm and 16cm, their compact size, combined with their round shape and colorful flowers, make them a charming and attractive addition to any plant collection.

 

Interesting Facts

• The name Gymnocalycium comes from the Greek words "gymnos" meaning naked, and "kalyx" meaning bud or calyx. This is due to the fact that the flower buds are devoid of spines.

• Despite being native to South America, the Black Chin Cactus has gained popularity around the globe as an ornamental houseplant.

• One popular variety of Gymnocalycium is the Moon cactus, a grafted specimen with a Gymnocalycium mihanovichii on top.

• The Black Chin Cactus is known for its resilience, able to withstand a variety of climates and conditions, from the low elevations of Buenos Aires to the frosty conditions of La Pampa and Río Negro.

 

Conservation Status

While the conservation status of the Gymnocalycium gibbosum var. nobile was not specifically listed in the provided sources, it's important to note that the conservation of all cacti and succulents is important. Many species are threatened due to habitat loss, climate change, and illegal collection. Be sure to source your plants from responsible sellers who use sustainable practices. Always remember - each cactus in your collection plays a small but significant role in biodiversity conservation.