You could try making a new post, asking for an ID for your green one. It doesn't look to be the same species of Gymno to me. If you don't het any bites, I could ask on another cactus forum (another gardening website) for you.

Planto

Tarev,
That has been my experiences as well with my Gymno.

Planto

tarev said:Is it possible to put it outside in some direct sun? Maybe it wants to feel that combination of heat and fresh air

I only have one gymno, gymnocalycium monvillei, and this one will not open the buds till it really gets full sun, otherwise it will wait and wait, till it aborts.

I had them outside but the on and off weather changes force me to bring them in. Past two days they've been out, the green one opened but not purple I don't understand why not? I hope next year they re bloom earlier when it's constantly warm.

I noticed if it rained the buds rotted on purple one it used to have 10 buds these only grew because I kept the cactus dry.

I guess it is just the bloom timing..my understanding, Fall is not the bloom time, usually in late Spring or Summer, since gymnos are desert cacti. Just wait, next Spring and see how it goes. It maybe just heading to dormancy right now.

tarev said:I guess it is just the bloom timing..my understanding, Fall is not the bloom time, usually in late Spring or Summer, since gymnos are desert cacti. Just wait, next Spring and see how it goes. It maybe just heading to dormancy right now.

That might be it, and during summer the rain, appartently buds don't like to get wet! But can or should I water while in flower?

I rather go to the side of caution, especially with cacti, I will reduce watering. Your gymno will have moisture in its ball, but to push the blooms it needs that consistent warmth and light. Outdoors is a bit easier for me, since our area hardly rains, and the cooler temps allows for more moisture in the air which succulents can use during their night time air exchange, so even if I do not water, it can get something from the cool air.

Your set-up is mostly indoors, so I will be careful of overwatering, so reduce it for now, that will be my suggestion. Put it in a well lighted area, maybe it may coax the plant to finally make a go and push those blooms out. If it is decided to sleep since it is not feeling that strong light anymore then wait for next season to continue your pollination experiment.

I always see that grafted cacti in our local stores, but have not tried it. Thank you for your thread..I may just try some this coming Spring to see how it will go on my side.