Melocactus is a genus of especially aesthetically interesting cacti, distinguishable by their odd cephalium that protrudes from the top. The cephalium, which is a bristly collection of aureoles, is designed to produce flowers and fruit and can grow up to 3 feet tall in some cases. Cephaliums are red or white and form small pink flowers inside their mass, and their fruits are waxy and shaped like tubes. Because of their appearance, Melocactus are popular cacti in cultivation. They are native to places with high temperatures and cannot tolerate frost: in the wild, they grow in various parts of the Caribbean, South America (especially Brazil), and Mexico.
Turk's-cap Cactus Care
Melocactus Intortus
What is the plant
humidity
Dry
lighting
Full Sun
temperature
min 18°C
difficulty
Medium
How to Care for the Plant
Water
For cacti, they like fairly moist environments, so water regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure not to let them sit in water to avoid rotting the roots.
Fertilizer
Feed with a balanced, diluted fertilizer like a 20-20-20 mixed into their water during the growing season to help them develop.
Sunlight
Lots and lots of bright sunlight are necessary for Melocactus to thrive.
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Soil
Most cactus potting mixes should work fine, ideally a well-draining mix with some organic material.
Temperature
Warm tropical temperatures above 70 F. They cannot survive frost.
Popularity
562 people already have this plant 22 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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