My friend says it’s “some goofy kind of cactus.” I really don’t know how to take care of it (should I post to a different sub for care tips?). It seems happy in the sun and I haven’t watered it yet— that’s what I’m most afraid of… ruining it by watering it incorrectly (I am new to plants)
Thanks in advance!
by littlestbookstore
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That’s a Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) grafted onto a Hylocereus rootstock (often dragon-fruit cactus).
Top (red part):
A Gymnocalycium variety that lacks chlorophyll, so it can’t photosynthesize on its own.
Comes in red, orange, yellow, or pink.
Bottom (green part):
Usually Hylocereus because it grows fast and supports the top cactus by providing nutrients and chlorophyll.
Without being grafted, the colorful top would die—so the two work together like a life-support system.
Care quick tips:
Bright indirect light, not harsh sun.
Water sparingly (let soil fully dry).
Fast-draining cactus soil.
Avoid overwatering—these rot easily.
If you keep it alive long enough, you win a small trophy no one sees but you’ll know you earned.
It’s a “moon cactus”, a [mutant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnocalycium_mihanovichii#Cultivars) that doesn’t produce chlorophyll grafted onto rootstock that does. Try r/succulents for care advice, if nobody knows here? These only tend to last a few years at best.
Water it when it’s completely dry. Give it light but not too much direct sunlight.
We bought one of these grafted items. It just lived but nothing happened for roughly 7-8 years, then the lower cactus decided to start growing for some bizarre reason. No idea why.