Consulta Plantas

Care of the cactus Melocactus matanzanus or Dwarf Turk's Cap Cactus

The genus Melocactus, family Cactaceae, comprises 40 species of cacti native to Mexico, Cuba, Central and South America. Some species are: Melocactus matanzanus, Melocactus intortus, Melocactus schatzlii, Melocactus peruvianus, Melocactus oreas, Melocactus deinacanthus, Melocactus curvispinus, Melocactus conoideus, Melocactus bahiensis, Melocactus ernestii, Melocactus azureus.

Common names: Dwarf Turk's-cap cactus, Matanzas Meloncactus, Melon Cactus, Turk's Cap, Turk's-cap cactus. This species is native to Cuba.

Melocactus matanzanus is a small, spherical, bright green cactus that reaches 9 cm (3.54") in height and diameter. It has 8-9 sharp ribs and areoles with 7-8 recurved radial spines of 1.5 cm in length and 1 central spine. The cephalium has orange-red wool and reaches 6 cm in diameter and 9 cm (3.54") in height. The small 2 cm (0.78") long flowers appear on the cephalium and are pink or red. It blooms in mid-summer from 5 years of age. The fruits are pink berries.

Due to its small size Dwarf Turk's Cap Cactus is used in pots for patios, terraces, balconies and windows.

Melocactus matanzanus prefers full sun exposure but avoiding direct sun in the central hours of the day. The safe winter temperature is 8 ºC (46.4 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti. It does not resist transplanting well since the roots are very delicate.

Water regularly, waiting for the substrate to be almost dry; it does not tolerate prolonged drought. In winter, water only once a month.

Fertilize once a month in spring and summer with a mineral fertilizer for cacti.

Melocactus matanzanus does not need pruning.

This plant does not usually present serious problems with pests and diseases, but you must watch out for excess humidity and attacks by red spiders and scale insects if it does not have good ventilation.

Dwarf Turk's Cap Cactus is propagated from seeds sown at the end of winter in a sandy seedbed.

Images of the cactus Melocactus matanzanus or Dwarf Turk's Cap Cactus