Gymnocalycium ragonesei
This species stays small and grows slow. Mature plants top out around an inch tall and about 3 inches wide, often resembling a round brown rock half-buried in soil. The stem color shifts with the seasons—grey-green to olive to purplish-brown. Spines are short, pale, and hug the body tightly.
Flowers are white with a pinkish cast and yellow center, typically blooming in clusters from late spring through early fall. Blooms last around 12 days.
Native to saline grasslands in Argentina, this is a solitary-growing species with a restricted range in Catamarca and Córdoba Provinces. In habitat, it grows semi-buried in alkaline soils where salt levels are high near the surface.
Best in a well-drained cactus mix in filtered sun or bright shade—avoid harsh afternoon sun in summer. Water moderately in summer (a few times a week), and keep it mostly dry in winter. Hardy to the mid 20s °F.
This is a plant for patient collectors—low and slow, with subtle, shifting colors and delicate blooms.
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