Ruby Ball Cactus: A Portrait of a House Plant

The ruby ball cactus is a bright red, ball-shaped cactus that grows on a green base. A mutation of a normal cactus, it totally lacks the green pigmentation that allows other plants to absorb solar energy. The only way it can survive is to be grafted on a green cactus that absorbs energy for it. It is generally short-lived.

There are also yellow, orange, and bicolor versions of the ruby ball cactus. This plant only produces its pink blossoms under optimum conditions.

Contents

Ruby Ball Cactus Quick Facts
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Ruby Ball Cactus Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii ‘Ruby Ball’

Common Names: Ruby Ball Cactus, Rose Plaid Cactus

Light Requirement for Ruby Ball Cactus: Full Sun to Bright Light

Water Requirement for Ruby Ball Cactus: Drench, Let Dry

Humidity for Ruby Ball Cactus: Average Home

Temperature for Ruby Ball Cactus: House to Cool

Fertilizer for Ruby Ball Cactus: High Phosphorus

Potting Mix for Ruby Ball Cactus: Cactus

Propagation of Ruby Ball Cactus: Grafting

Decorative Use for Ruby Ball Cactus: Table

Care Rating for Ruby Ball Cactus: Easy

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Larry Hodgson is a full time garden writer out of Quebec City in the heart of French Canada where he grows well over 3,000 species and varieties. His book credits include Making the Most of Shade, The Garden Lovers Guide to Canada, Perennials for Every Purpose, Annuals for Every Purpose, Houseplants for Dummies, and Ortho's Complete Guide to Houseplants, as well as other titles in English and French. He's the winner of the Perennial Plant Association's 2006 Garden Media Award.