Moon Cactus: The Colorful Plant That Can't Survive Alone

• The Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) is a vibrant, chlorophyll-lacking plant that cannot produce its own food.
• It is always grafted onto a green cactus, which performs photosynthesis and provides nutrients to the colorful upper part.
• The entire life of the Moon Cactus depends on the supporting stock plant; if the lower plant weakens, the Moon Cactus dies.
• Popular as an indoor plant, it requires balanced sunlight (bright indirect light) and minimal watering (once a week or when soil dries).
• Overwatering is the biggest threat, causing root rot in the lower cactus and leading to the demise of the entire plant.