If you’re looking for a cool cactus or succulent plant, consider the Melocactus. They’re not too hard to care for. Then need water regularly and keep them in a sunny spot.
Melocactus is native to the deserts of Mexico and South America, and used to hot, dry conditions. In its natural habitat, the plant grows in rocky soil and doesn’t get a lot of water.
So when growing a Melocactus at home, you’ll need to mimic these conditions as closely as possible.
Quick Facts On Melocactus
- Family: Cactaceae
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Temperature: 70° and 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Drought-tolerant; once every two weeks
- Fertilizer: Cactus fertilizer every month
- Propagation: Seeds, grafting
- Common problems: Spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and root rot
Some of the common household names for the Melocactus include:
- Turk’s Cap Cactus
- Turk’s head
The Melocactus is called the Turk’s cap cactus due to the pointed shape of its cap-like top.
Melocactus Care
Melocactus, also known as Turk’s Cap cactus, is a genus of about 30 species of cacti.
In its natural habitat, it grows on rocky hillsides and in dry, sandy soils. It is important to replicate these conditions when growing Melocactus at home.
Here are some tips on how to care for your Melocactus:
What Does The Turk’s Cap Cactus Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The most distinguishing feature of the Melocactus is its large, round body covered in spines.
The spines can be up to 2″ inches long and are arranged in a spiral pattern around the plant. The top of the plant is flat and has a small depression in the center.
The Turk’s Cap Cactus can reach up to 3′ feet tall when grown outdoors. However, when grown indoors, it will be much smaller, only reaching about 1′ foot in height.
When Does The Turk’s Cap Cactus Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Melocactus blooms once a year, producing a large, showy flower typically red or pink.
However, the cactus must be 6 to 10 years old before it begins to flower. These flowers are not fragrant.
When grown indoors, the Melocactus will likely not flower.
Turk’s Cap Cactus is known for its large, round caps (or “hats”). The caps protect the plant’s flowers and can get up to 12″ inches wide.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
It’s important to give it plenty of sunlight to keep your Melocactus healthy.
Melocactus plants need full sun to partial shade. The plant does best in a spot with direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily.
You can supplement with artificial light if you can’t provide this sun.
If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to give your plant some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat.
The ideal temperature for Melocactus plants is between 70° and 80° degrees Fahrenheit.
However, they can tolerate a wider range of temperatures, from 50° to 90° degrees Fahrenheit.
Turk’s Cap Cactus is not frost-hardy so they won’t survive in cold climates. If you live in an area with cold winters, you’ll need to bring your plant indoors.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Turk’s Cap Cactus?
In its natural habitat, the Melocactus only receives rainwater a few times a year. This means it is very drought-tolerant and does not need to be watered often.
When grown indoors, you should only water your Turk’s Cap Cactus once every 2 to 3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
However, in the summer months, you might need to water your plant every few days or even daily.
The best way to water your Melocactus is to soak the soil thoroughly and let it dry out completely before watering again.
In the winter, you can cut back on watering since the plant doesn’t grow as much during this time.
Fertilize your Melocactus plant once a month during spring and summer using cactus fertilizer.
What Is The Best Soil For Melocactus, And When Should You Transplant?
The best soil for the Melocactus plant is a sandy, well-draining cactus mix. You can also make your own mix by mixing 1/2 cactus mix and 1/2 perlite.
It’s best to transplant your Melocactus every other year or when the plant has outgrown its pot. If it has not outgrown its pot, do not transplant it as this can shock the plant.
Does Melocactus Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The Melocactus does not need special care regarding pruning and deadheading. You can remove any dead leaves or spent flowers as you see them.
If you notice that your plant is starting to lean to one side, you can stake it up to help it stay upright.
How To Over-Winter Melocactus?
If you live in a climate that gets cold in the winter, you will need to take some steps to over-winter your Melocactus.
First, stop watering your plant about a month before the first frost. This will help the plant to go into dormancy.
Then, move your plant to a cool, dry location between 50° and 60° degrees Fahrenheit.
This would be a good spot if you have a garage or shed. You can also wrap your plant in burlap to help protect it from the cold.
Finally, resume watering your Turk’s Cap Cactus in the spring once the last frost has passed.
How To Propagate Turk’s Cap Cactus?
The best time to propagate Melocactus is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Melocactus can be propagated from seed or grafting.
To propagate from seed, do the following:
- Plant the seeds in a cactus potting mix.
- Keep them warm (around 70° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit) and moist until they germinate.
- Once they have germinated, move them to a bright, indirect light spot.
- Water them only when the soil has completely dried out.
To propagate from grafting:
- Take a cutting from the main plant about 3″ to 4″ inches long.
- Allow the cutting to callus for a few days.
- Graft it onto the rootstock of another cactus plant.
- Water the plant as usual and wait for the graft to take.
- Once it has taken, you can cut away the rootstock plant.
Melocactus Pests And Diseases
The Melocactus plant is relatively resistant to pests and disease. However, mealybugs and scale can be a problem.
These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
The biggest threat to the Melocactus plant is rot. This can happen if the plant is overwatered or if the soil does not drain well.
If you notice that your plant is starting to rot, remove it from the pot and cut away the infected areas. Once the roots have dried, replant them in a fresh cactus mix.
Suggested Uses For Turk’s Cap Cactus
Regarding landscaping, the Melocactus plant is often used as an accent plant or in cactus gardens. It can also be grown in containers.
Some ways to landscape with Turk’s Cap Cactus include:
- Planting it as an accent plant in a bed of succulents
- Using it in a rock garden
- Growing it in a container on the patio or deck
Turk’s Cap Cactus is a great choice for beginners since it is easy to care for and does not require much maintenance.
So, if you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for, the Melocactus plant is a great choice!
Other Interesting Cactus And Succulent Plants
- Austrocylindropuntia Subulata – Eve’s Needle Cactus: This unusual and attractive cactus grows in a tree-like formation.
- Pedilanthus – Zig Zag Plant: A succulent plant with smooth, round, and light green stems and little resemblance to a cactus.