Gymnocalycium 'Variegata'

You better be quick! This rare, colourful, flowering cactus will be snapped up in no time. The stems have variable blushes of red, pink, yellow and green. This image doesn't do justice to its unusual beauty.

Commonly known as Chin Cactus, it hails from South America. In ideal conditions it will form offsets from its base and then you can enjoy even more wonderful colour.

SIZE (HxW): 5-10cm x 5-15cm

I SEE THE LIGHT: Bright, indirect light is ideal. In high light the foliage will change. Keep out of the hot afternoon sun lest their leaves be sunburned or roots damaged. They may stretch if they don’t have enough light. You will get the best foliage colour in high light.

I NEED A DRINK: Low, water well, then allow the soil to almost dry out before watering again. Keeping them on the drier side will result in better colour. They are winter formant so

I WILL SURVIVE: These plants are so easy, they pretty much look after themselves. In pots ensure you choose a cactus/succulent potting mix for best results as it offers the sharp drainage they need. Choose a pot with drainage holes to ensure they don’t end up sitting in water. Behead them if they become leggy or ungraceful, allow them to callous then plant back again. New offsets are also likely to form from the stem.

Use a diluted, liquid fertiliser in spring to keep them happy and healthy. They aren’t heavy feeders so will forgive you if you forget. Simply follow the directions on the pack.