Melocactus Bahiensis Cactus Plant

Turk s Cap Cactus

Family

Cactaceae

Native

Mexico

Description

Melocactus bahiensis is a small cactus with a ribbed stem capped by a cephalium with wool and brown bristles. The stem is globose, light to dark green, and up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The cephalium is mostly small with many brown bristles, up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter.

Melocactus waits until the body finishes growing before it forms a woolly top, or cephalium. Bristles and small red flowers appear from this cephalium, and the cephalium can keep growing for years. Sometimes it will grow taller than the body of the cactus. The average body can grow to about eight inches tall, but can grow larger also. Once it forms a cephalium, it should not be repotted

Environment

These tropical cacti are not the easiest things to grow and aren t plants for beginners.

Unlike most cacti, Melocactus needs regular water, even in winter, and should never be allowed to completely dry out. It needs good drainage.

They prefers very bright light, not as much as the most arid growing cacti, but plenty nonetheless. Tends to bronze in strong light, which encourages flowering and heavy spine production

Feed every 4 weeks with a Nitrogen-poor and Potassium & Phosphorus-rich fertilizer during summer

Landscape Uses

It is an excellent plant for garden rockery settings, desert type landscapes, patios and botanical gardens