Care of the cactus Melocactus conoideus or Cone-Like Turk's Head Cactus |
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The genus Melocactus, family Cactaceae, comprises 40 species of cacti native to Mexico, Cuba, Central and South America. Some species are: Melocactus conoideus, Melocactus bahiensis, Melocactus azureus, Melocactus curvispinus, Melocactus oreas, Melocactus intortus, Melocactus matanzanus, Melocactus deinacanthus, Melocactus schatzlii, Melocactus peruvianus. Common name: Cone-Like Turk's Head Cactus. This species is native to Eastern Brazil. They are cacti with a spherical body and a greyish green color that reach 20 cm (7.87") in width and 15 cm (5.9") in height. They have 5-8 radial spines and 1-2 central spines, all gray in color. They produce a large reddish cephalium 4 cm (1.57") high where small purple flowers 1 cm in diameter appear. The fruits measure 2 cm (0,78") and are magenta or pink in color. They are not easy to grow plants; They are used in pots in greenhouses, in well-lit and well-ventilated interiors, and on terraces, balconies, and patios. In subtropical climates they are used in rockery. Melocactus Conoideus can grow in full sun or light shade exposure. In winter the temperature should not be below 15 ºC (59 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of 75% heather soil and 25% coarse siliceous sand or a commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse sand. Transplant as little as possible because the roots are delicate; never transplant when the cephalium has appeared. They are very resistant to drought. Always water waiting until the substrate has dried completely. From late autumn and throughout the winter there is no need to water. Fertilize in mid-spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents. They do not need pruning. The worst enemy of these plants is excess humidity. They propagate from seeds sown in sandy substrate; it's quite a slow process. |
Images of the cactus Melocactus conoideus or Cone-Like Turk's Head Cactus |
 Melocactus conoideus  Melocactus conoideus |