bluecrush1979
Melocactus
The genus Melocactus includes around 40 cacti from Mexico, the West Indies, and northern South America. Many of these species are endangered, and plants in cultivation are almost always grown from seeds. They are slow-growing, often difficult to grow. They are globular plants, generally solitary, except if the growing tip has been damaged. When they are mature, the body stops growing and produces a crown on its apex named cephalium. This densely spined area is where the flowers and fruit will be produced. The cephalium can keep on growing for many years, and in some species can exceed the height of the body itself. The striking difference between the body and the cephalium, reminds of a cap, hence the name Turk's Cap Cacti given to many specimen in this genus. The botanical name comes from the Latine for 'melon cacti'.
Most Melocactus have specialized requirements that make them tricky to grow. They are rot prone and should be drained in shallow containers with well-draining soil mixture. In summer water and feed regularly. In winter, decrease the watering, but still they need regular water. Deionized water or distilled water is better. Some direct sun light is necessary, but in the hot desert of Arizona, they burn easily. To insure optimum growth, it is a good idea to repot them in Spring every 2-3 years.
The Melocactus flowers are generally a shade of pink or red. They come in abondance from spring to fall depending on the species. They are followed by fleshy fruit.
Melocactus
The genus Melocactus includes around 40 cacti from Mexico, the West Indies, and northern South America. Many of these species are endangered, and plants in cultivation are almost always grown from seeds. They are slow-growing, often difficult to grow. They are globular plants, generally solitary, except if the growing tip has been damaged. When they are mature, the body stops growing and produces a crown on its apex named cephalium. This densely spined area is where the flowers and fruit will be produced. The cephalium can keep on growing for many years, and in some species can exceed the height of the body itself. The striking difference between the body and the cephalium, reminds of a cap, hence the name Turk's Cap Cacti given to many specimen in this genus. The botanical name comes from the Latine for 'melon cacti'.
Most Melocactus have specialized requirements that make them tricky to grow. They are rot prone and should be drained in shallow containers with well-draining soil mixture. In summer water and feed regularly. In winter, decrease the watering, but still they need regular water. Deionized water or distilled water is better. Some direct sun light is necessary, but in the hot desert of Arizona, they burn easily. To insure optimum growth, it is a good idea to repot them in Spring every 2-3 years.
The Melocactus flowers are generally a shade of pink or red. They come in abondance from spring to fall depending on the species. They are followed by fleshy fruit.