Moon Cactus

Name: Moon Cactus
Brand: MyGreenScape
SKU: PM0686S
Price: 10.0 CAD
Availability: InStock

Moon Cactus

$10

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Size 2.5" Pot - XSmall

Color Red Pink Yellow Orange

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About This Plant

The Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) is a miniature grafted cactus native to Paraguay and Argentina. Small and low-maintenance, the Moon Cactus is a cheerful plant for a sunny desk or windowsill.

Vivid, long-lasting jewel-toned colour.

Unlike most plants, the Moon Cactus gets its colour from pigments rather than chlorophyll, producing saturated hues in red, pink, orange, and yellow that do not fade with sun. Browse our cactus and succulent collection to find the colour that suits your space.

Tiny footprint, big visual impact.

At under 4 inches tall, the Moon Cactus fits on a windowsill, a bookshelf, or a desk corner without taking up space. Pair it with a Living Stone Lithops for a striking miniature desert display.

Genuinely easy care.

One of the easiest houseplants to keep alive. It asks only for bright light, infrequent watering, and well-draining soil. Its small size makes it a perfect low-fuss, high-reward plant for any experience level.

Winter Dormancy

Cacti, including the Moon Cactus, enter genuine dormancy in winter. Growth stops completely and the plant's metabolic activity drops significantly. This is healthy and natural. Do not try to force growth in winter.

Minimal Winter Watering

During dormancy, water only once every 4 to 6 weeks, or even less. Overwatering a dormant cactus is the fastest way to cause root rot at the graft junction. When in doubt, wait longer before watering.

No Winter Fertilizer

Stop all feeding from October through February. Fertilizing a dormant cactus can cause nutrient burn and stress the graft junction. Resume monthly feeding when growth restarts in spring.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Living Stone Lithops.

For another small, low-maintenance plant with a fascinating appearance, the Living Stone Lithops pairs perfectly with a Moon Cactus for a miniature desert display.

Aloe Vera.

For a low-maintenance drought-tolerant plant with practical uses, the Aloe Vera thrives in the same bright light conditions and is a natural companion for a sunny windowsill.

Cactus and Succulents Collection.

For more options in this plant family, browse our full cactus and succulent collection for every size, shape, and difficulty level.

Common Questions

How long does a Moon Cactus live?

Typically 1 to 3 years, though some well-cared-for specimens last longer. The limiting factor is the graft junction between the coloured top and the green rootstock. Over time the rootstock tends to grow faster than the top, and the junction can fail. If caught early, the coloured top can be re-grafted onto a fresh piece of rootstock to extend its life.

Why is my Moon Cactus shrinking or wrinkling?

A shrunken or wrinkled top cactus is most often a sign of underwatering, especially in spring and summer. Water thoroughly and see if the top firms up within a few days. If watering does not help and the base feels soft, check the graft junction for rot. A wrinkled, soft base that smells bad indicates root rot from overwatering rather than drought.

How often should I water a Moon Cactus?

Allow the soil to dry mostly or fully between waterings. In summer, watering every 2 to 3 weeks is typically enough. In winter dormancy, reduce to once every 4 to 6 weeks or less. Always use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining cactus mix. Never let the plant sit in standing water, as the graft junction is particularly vulnerable to rot.

Is Moon Cactus toxic to cats and dogs?

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is not currently listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database and is generally considered to have low toxicity risk. However, the physical spines on both the coloured top and the green rootstock are a real hazard and can puncture paws, noses, and mouths. Keep it out of reach of pets and young children to avoid injury from the spines.

Why is my Moon Cactus losing its colour?

Two causes: insufficient light or natural ageing. If the rootstock is not receiving enough light to produce adequate nutrients, the top may fade or become paler over time. Move the plant to a brighter location first. Some colour fading is also a natural part of ageing in older specimens, especially at the graft junction begins to weaken.

How to Take Care of Moon Cactus

Good to Know

Graft Care: Keep the junction dry

The graft junction where the coloured top meets the green rootstock must stay dry. Do not mist the plant and ensure water never pools at the base. The junction is the most vulnerable point on the plant. Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix Regular potting soil holds too much moisture. Use a dedicated cactus or succulent mix, or add perlite to regular mix. Good drainage is essential for the graft junction.

Light: Bright indirect, some morning sun tolerated

A south- or east-facing windowsill is ideal. Avoid harsh midday afternoon sun, which can bleach or damage the vivid colour of the top section. The green rootstock needs good light to keep the top healthy.

Watering: Sparingly, allow to dry between waterings

In summer water every 2 to 3 weeks. In winter dormancy reduce to once every 4 to 6 weeks or less. Always drain fully after watering and never let the plant sit in standing water.

Humidity: Any

Moon Cactus isn’t picky about humidity. It adapts well to normal household humidity and doesn’t need misting or special conditions.

Pet Friendly: Use caution

Not confirmed toxic by ASPCA, but the spines are a physical hazard to pets and children. Keep out of reach to avoid injury from the sharp spines on both the top and rootstock sections.

Pro Tip

A healthy rootstock keeps the coloured top vivid and growing for as long as the graft holds. Make sure it gets good bright indirect light, water it on a proper cactus schedule, and keep the graft junction dry.

What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping.

View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March, you can add Winter Shipping Protection at checkout. It adds insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from the cold in transit. Cold damage is only covered if it's added to your order.

You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If your plant arrives damaged, has pests, or starts to decline within 30 days, we'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping.

Change of mind, repotted or trimmed plants, and cold damage without Winter Shipping Protection aren't covered. See our full Return Policy

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