{"product_id":"gymnocalycium-mihanovichii-purple-moon-cactus-4","title":"Gymnocalycium mihanovichii 'Purple Moon Cactus' (4 inch) #588","description":"\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eAbout Gymnocalycium mihanovichii 'Purple Moon Cactus'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eGymnocalycium mihanovichii 'Purple Moon Cactus', commonly sold as Purple Moon Cactus or Purple Hibotan, is a grafted novelty cactus distinguished by its deep, saturated purple or magenta globe sitting atop a green columnar rootstock. The species is native to Paraguay and northeastern Argentina, but the purple top is a cultivated mutation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e. Like the more common neon yellow and red forms, the purple scion has severely reduced chlorophyll, meaning it cannot sustain itself on its own roots and must be grafted onto a green rootstock, typically a Hylocereus species, to survive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e. The globe itself is neatly ribbed with small areoles and short spines, reaching roughly 1 to 2 inches across, while the rootstock grows 2 to 4 inches tall. The purple coloration is less common than yellow or red and is often described as dramatic and elegant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e. Small pink or white flowers may emerge from the crown in spring or summer under favourable conditions. Because the plant is a union of two different cacti, it is slightly more sensitive than a standard cactus and is generally not long-lived, typically lasting around a year or slightly longer in ideal conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e. Even so, its unusual colour and compact form make it a striking, low-maintenance choice for desks, shelves, and bright indoor spaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_5f9bba8\" data-citation-group=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.epicgardening.com\/moon-cactus\/#1\" rel=\"noreferrer\" aria-label=\"1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/planetdesert.com\/collections\/gymnocalycium-cactus-types\/products\/grafted-purple-moon-cactus-gymnocalycium-mihanovichii\" rel=\"noreferrer\" aria-label=\"7\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.almanac.com\/plant\/moon-cactus-care-tips-growing-vibrant-cactus-plants\" rel=\"noreferrer\" aria-label=\"28\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eHow to care for Gymnocalycium mihanovichii 'Purple Moon Cactus'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun and Location:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide bright, indirect light with some gentle direct sun, but protect from harsh midday and afternoon sun, which can scorch and fade the coloured top\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e. A spot near an east- or west-facing window with filtered light is ideal. The green rootstock can handle somewhat brighter conditions than the purple scion, so aim for a position that is bright but shielded from the fiercest sun. Moon Cactus can also do surprisingly well under standard office LED lighting. Keep it away from cold drafts and heating or air-conditioning vents, and avoid moving it frequently; occasional quarter-turns will encourage even growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_5f9bba8\" data-citation-group=\"6\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenmist.org\/products\/purple-moon-cactus-local-%D9%85%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%B3-%D8%A8%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B3%D8%AC%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%84%D9%8A?pr_prod_strat=similar\u0026amp;pr_rec_id=ac1b9f6b8\u0026amp;pr_rec_pid=8339403374710\u0026amp;pr_ref_pid=8339403604086\u0026amp;pr_seq=uniform\" rel=\"noreferrer\" aria-label=\"29\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil and Pot:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix, ideally amended with perlite or pumice, in a pot with drainage holes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e. The rootstock is vulnerable to rot if moisture sits around it, so a gritty, airy medium is essential. Never allow the pot to stand in water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_5f9bba8\" data-citation-group=\"7\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/planetdesert.com\/collections\/gymnocalycium-cactus-types\/products\/grafted-purple-moon-cactus-gymnocalycium-mihanovichii\" rel=\"noreferrer\" aria-label=\"7\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water sparingly and let the soil dry out completely between waterings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e. During spring and summer, watering every two to three weeks is generally sufficient; in winter, reduce to once a month or less, as moon cacti are winter-dormant and have minimal water needs during that period\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e. Overwatering is the fastest way to damage the graft union and the rootstock. The purple scion relies entirely on the green rootstock for moisture and nutrients, so keeping the base healthy is the key to keeping the top looking good.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_5f9bba8\" data-citation-group=\"8\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/planetdesert.com\/collections\/gymnocalycium-cactus-types\/products\/grafted-purple-moon-cactus-gymnocalycium-mihanovichii\" rel=\"noreferrer\" aria-label=\"7\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenmist.org\/products\/purple-moon-cactus-local-%D9%85%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%B3-%D8%A8%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B3%D8%AC%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%84%D9%8A?pr_prod_strat=similar\u0026amp;pr_rec_id=ac1b9f6b8\u0026amp;pr_rec_pid=8339403374710\u0026amp;pr_ref_pid=8339403604086\u0026amp;pr_seq=uniform\" rel=\"noreferrer\" aria-label=\"29\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePropagating: \u003c\/strong\u003ePropagation of the purple top requires grafting, not simple division. Offsets that form on the scion can be sliced cleanly and grafted onto a fresh, rooted Hylocereus rootstock, with the cut surfaces held firmly together under gentle pressure until the tissues unite. This is a more advanced technique and requires practice. For most growers, the Purple Moon Cactus is best treated as a long-lasting novelty rather than a plant to multiply at home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eMore Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary color: \u003c\/strong\u003eDeep purple to magenta globe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecondary color: \u003c\/strong\u003eGreen rootstock stem\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom color: \u003c\/strong\u003eSmall pink or white flowers emerging from the crown of the scion under favourable conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCold hardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not frost tolerant. Best kept between 65°F and 85°F indoors, and brought inside well before temperatures drop below 50°F. Hardy outdoors only in frost-free USDA zones 9 to 11, and even there protection from cold and rain is advisable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_5f9bba8\" data-citation-group=\"10\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/planetdesert.com\/collections\/gymnocalycium-cactus-types\/products\/grafted-purple-moon-cactus-gymnocalycium-mihanovichii\" rel=\"noreferrer\" aria-label=\"7\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct format:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4 inch pot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eSuitability: Desk, windowsill, shelf, office spaces with LED lighting, small indoor cactus collection, novelty gift plant, collector of unusual colour forms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePropagation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grafting of offsets onto a green rootstock; not propagated by seed or simple division for the purple form\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chlorophyll-deficient purple scion grafted onto a green rootstock; compact globular form with neat ribs and short spines; less common colour form than yellow or red; requires bright indirect light; drought-tolerant but rot-sensitive if overwatered; may flower in spring or summer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePet safety: \u003c\/strong\u003eNon-toxic to cats and dogs. Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is not on the ASPCA toxic plant list, and the common rootstock Hylocereus undatus is also listed as non-toxic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e. However, the small spines on both the scion and rootstock are a mechanical hazard, so it is best kept on a high shelf or out of reach of curious pets and small children to avoid prickles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Next Gardener","offers":[{"title":"Nursery Pot","offer_id":67724145393719,"sku":"S-588-4in","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Vintage pot","offer_id":67724145426487,"sku":"S-588-4in-1049","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Green stripe pot","offer_id":67724145459255,"sku":"S-588-4in-1015A","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White stripe pot","offer_id":67724145492023,"sku":"S-588-4in-1039","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Green Lotus Pot","offer_id":67724145524791,"sku":"S-588-4in-1091","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Lotus Pot","offer_id":67724145557559,"sku":"S-588-4in-1090","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0043\/3628\/7813\/files\/PurpleMoonCactus_4in_2.jpg?v=1793961482","url":"https:\/\/thenextgardener.com\/products\/gymnocalycium-mihanovichii-purple-moon-cactus-4","provider":"Thenextgardener","version":"1.0","type":"link"}