Gymnocalycium spegazzinii var. unguispinum

🌵 Gymnocalycium spegazzinii var. unguispinum – The Claw-Spined Jewel

Category: Rare Spiny Cactus
Shipping: Delivered bare root

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Product Overview

Gymnocalycium spegazzinii var. unguispinum is a rare, highly sought-after cactus known for its dramatic appearance and rugged charm. Native to the high-altitude regions of northwest Argentina, this variety stands out for its heavily recurved, claw-like spines that form a striking cage over its spherical body. These spines vary from dark brown to almost black and contrast beautifully with the cactus’s matte bluish-green to grey body.

The name “unguispinum” literally means “claw-spined” — a nod to its fierce and defensive structure. Its compact form and spiny armor give it a prehistoric, almost fossil-like look, making it a prized centerpiece in any cactus collection.

In early summer, the plant surprises with large, soft pink to lavender blooms that rise from the cactus’s crown. The contrast between the delicate flowers and its aggressive spines is what makes this Gymnocalycium truly captivating.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love It

• Rare form of Gymnocalycium, not commonly found in nurseries

• Deeply curved, dark spines resemble talons or claws

• Chalky-grey body adds a dramatic aesthetic

• Flowers beautifully in pink or lavender shades

• Ideal for collectors and xerophytic garden lovers

• Low maintenance and drought tolerant

• Delivered bare root, ready for potting

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🪴 Care Instructions

☀️ Light:
Prefers bright indirect sunlight or filtered light. Morning sun is ideal; protect from harsh afternoon heat during Indian summers, especially in central or southern regions.

💧 Watering:
Water only when the soil is completely dry. During active growth (spring to early autumn), water thoroughly but infrequently. In winter (dormant phase), water should be almost completely withheld.

🌱 Soil:
Use a well-draining cactus mix — ideally a blend of sandy loam, pumice, and perlite. Avoid moisture-retaining mediums like cocopeat.

🪨 Potting:
Use shallow terracotta or clay pots with good drainage. The roots are shallow and prefer a wider spread rather than depth.

🌡️ Temperature:
Tolerant to Indian heat but sensitive to frost. Ideal temperature range is 15°C – 30°C. Can tolerate light cold but should be protected below 8°C.

🌸 Flowering:
Blooms appear in late spring to summer with proper light and a dry winter rest.