Turk's cap cactus Care

This petite cactus will present you with its unique looks and a vibrant hat-like hairdo. Make sure you’re not a beginner before adding it to your collection.

The entire Melocactus genus is often referred to as Turk’s Cap Cactus or Melon Cactus, although these common names are also associated with some specific species, such as Melocactus broadwayi. This cactus is native to the West Indies, and it’s not recommended for new plant owners due to its challenging care.

When it’s still in its immature phase, there isn’t anything in its appearance that suggests it is a Melocactus, but it’s easy to identify once it reaches maturity by its whitish cephalium. The cephalium is a woody structure covered in bristles that grow at the very top of the cactus. Once it reaches maturity, the body will stop growing, but the cephalium will grow for the rest of its life. This cactus has a round, thick, light green stem and ribbed body covered in white bristles with reddish-brown tips. It bears small bright pink flowers at the top of the cephalium.

Its growing season is between April and October, and it doesn’t grow above 8 inches (20 cm) tall.