19 Popular Types Of Melocactus Pictorial Guide

Top 19 Most Popular Types Of Melocactus Pictorial Guide

Melocactus is a genus of cacti that is native to Central and South America, the Caribbean, and northern parts of South America. These cacti are known for their distinctive round shape and bright red, woolly, or bristly tops. They are commonly known as Turk’s Cap or Turk’s Head cacti due to their resemblance to a Turkish fez hat.

Melocactus are slow-growing, and some species can live for over 100 years. They typically grow to a height of 6 to 24 inches, with a diameter of 4 to 12 inches. The body of the cactus is usually cylindrical or slightly conical, and it has prominent, raised ribs that are covered in small, needle-like spines. The spines can range in color from brown to yellow or even white.

The most distinctive feature of melocactus is their brightly colored, woolly, or bristly tops. These tops are called cephalia, and they form when the cactus reaches maturity. The cephalium can vary in color from red to pink, purple, or even green. It is made up of thousands of tiny, hair-like structures called areoles that produce flowers and fruit.

Melocactus are adapted to survive in hot, dry environments, and they are often found growing in rocky, sandy soils. They are also able to thrive in extended periods of drought by storing water in their thick, fleshy stems. Their shallow root systems allow them to quickly absorb water when it does rain.

Melocactus are popular among cactus enthusiasts and collectors due to their unique shape and striking color. They are also relatively easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is important to avoid overwatering, as too much water can cause the roots to rot.

Propagation of Melocactus can be done through seeds or cuttings. The seeds are typically harvested from the fruit of a mature cactus, while cuttings are taken from the stem. It is important to let the cuttings dry out for several days before planting them in well-draining soil.

There are over 30 species of Melocactus, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular species include Melocactus bahiensis, Melocactus conoideus, Melocactus curvispinus, and Melocactus violaceus. Each species has its own distinct cephalium, which can vary in color, shape, and size.

Elocactus is a genus of cacti that belongs to the family Cactaceae. This genus comprises over 30 species that are native to various regions in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and northern parts of South America. These cacti are often called Turk’s Cap or Turk’s Head cacti due to their resemblance to a Turkish fez hat.

Melocactus plants are generally small and slow-growing. They typically grow to a height of 6 to 24 inches and a diameter of 4 to 12 inches. These cacti have a cylindrical or slightly conical body with prominent, raised ribs that are covered in small, needle-like spines. The spines can range in color from brown to yellow or even white. Melocactus stems are usually green and fleshy, allowing them to store water for long periods of time.

The most unique feature of Melocactus plants is their brightly colored cephalia, which form when the cactus reaches maturity. The cephalium can vary in color from red to pink, purple, or even green. It is made up of thousands of tiny, hair-like structures called areoles that produce flowers and fruit. Melocactus flowers are usually small and tubular, and they can be white, pink, or red. The fruits are also small and fleshy, often containing numerous seeds.

Melocactus plants are adapted to hot, dry environments and are often found growing in rocky, sandy soils. These cacti are well-suited to surviving long periods of drought, thanks to their ability to store water in their stems. Additionally, their shallow root systems allow them to absorb water quickly when it does rain. Melocactus plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is important to avoid overwatering, as too much water can cause the roots to rot.

Propagation of Melocactus can be done through seeds or cuttings. The seeds are typically harvested from the fruit of a mature cactus, while cuttings are taken from the stem. When taking cuttings, it is important to let them dry out for several days before planting them in well-draining soil. It can take several years for a Melocactus plant to reach maturity and develop its distinctive cephalium.

Melocactus plants are popular among cactus enthusiasts and collectors due to their unique shape and striking color. They are also relatively easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Melocactus plants are often used in xeriscaping, a type of landscaping that uses drought-tolerant plants to conserve water.

In addition to their ornamental value, Melocactus plants have also been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples of the Americas. The pulp of the cactus has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and pain.

In conclusion, Melocactus is a fascinating and unique genus of cacti that is beloved by cactus enthusiasts and collectors around the world. These slow-growing plants are well-suited to hot, dry environments and can survive long periods of drought thanks to their ability to store water in their fleshy stems. With proper care, melocactus can thrive both indoors and outdoors and can live for many years, bringing beauty and interest to any environment.

Here are the 19 Most Popular Types Of Melocactus Pictorial Guide:

Melocactus Amazonicus

Melocactus Amazonicus is a species of cactus native to Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. It has a distinctive round shape and a cephalium that forms on top of the stem, which produces small pink or red flowers. This cactus is slow-growing and can take several years to reach its full size. It is an attractive and unique addition to any cactus collection and requires bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. Like other Melocactus species, it is adapted to arid environments and is able to store water in its stem to survive long periods of drought.

Melocactus Bellavistensis

Melocactus Bellavistensis is a rare and endangered species of cactus found only in a small region of the Dominican Republic. It is known for its unusual appearance, with a cylindrical, ribbed stem and a cephalium that forms on top of the plant and produces bright pink flowers. This slow-growing cactus requires bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. Due to its limited natural habitat and over-collection by collectors and enthusiasts, Melocactus Bellavistensis is considered a critically endangered species and is protected by law.

Melocactus Bahiensis

Melocactus Bahiensis is a species of cactus native to Brazil, specifically the state of Bahia. It has a distinctive cylindrical shape, with ribs running vertically along the stem. The plant is also known for its cephalium, a woolly, bristly structure that forms on top of the stem and produces pink flowers.

Like other Melocactus species, Melocactus Bahiensis is adapted to arid environments and is able to store water in its thick, fleshy stem to survive long periods of drought. It requires bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. This species of Melocactus is highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts and is a popular ornamental plant.

Melocactus Concinnus

Melocactus Concinnus is a species of cactus native to Cuba and Hispaniola. It has a distinctive round shape and a cephalium that forms on top of the stem, which produces pink or red flowers. The stem is covered in ridges or ribs, which give the plant a unique appearance.

Melocactus Concinnus is a slow-growing cactus that requires bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. It is an attractive and unusual addition to any cactus collection. Like other Melocactus species, it is adapted to arid environments and is able to store water in its stem to survive long periods of drought.

Melocactus Curvispinus

Melocactus Curvispinus is a species of cactus native to the Caribbean, specifically the islands of Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It is known for its distinctive cylindrical shape and its cephalium, a woolly, bristly structure that forms on top of the stem and produces pink or red flowers. The stem of Melocactus Curvispinus is covered in curved spines, which give it a unique and attractive appearance.

This slow-growing cactus requires bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. It is adapted to arid environments and is able to store water in its stem to survive long periods of drought. Melocactus Curvispinus is a popular ornamental plant and is often grown in cactus gardens or as a houseplant.

Melocactus Deinacanthus

Melocactus Deinacanthus is a species of cactus native to Brazil, specifically the state of Bahia. It has a distinctive cylindrical shape and is known for its unique, long, and flexible spines, which can be up to 20 cm in length. The plant produces a cephalium on top of the stem, which produces pink or purple flowers.

Melocactus Deinacanthus is a slow-growing cactus that requires bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. It is adapted to arid environments and is able to store water in its thick, fleshy stem to survive long periods of drought. This species of Melocactus is highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts and is a popular ornamental plant.

Melocactus Ernestii

Melocactus Ernestii is a species of cactus native to Cuba. It has a distinctive round shape and a cephalium that forms on top of the stem, which produces pink flowers. The stem of Melocactus Ernestii is covered in closely spaced ribs, which give it a unique appearance. This slow-growing cactus requires bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive.

It is adapted to arid environments and is able to store water in its stem to survive long periods of drought. Melocactus Ernestii is a popular ornamental plant, particularly among collectors and enthusiasts. Due to habitat loss and overcollection, it is considered a vulnerable species and is protected by law.

Melocactus Glaucescens

Melocactus Glaucescens is a species of cactus native to Brazil, specifically the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais. It has a distinctive cylindrical shape and is known for its blue-gray coloration, which is due to a wax coating that covers the stem. The plant produces a cephalium on top of the stem, which produces pink or red flowers.

Melocactus Glaucescens is a slow-growing cactus that requires bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. It is adapted to arid environments and is able to store water in its stem to survive long periods of drought. This species of Melocactus is highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts and is a popular ornamental plant. However, due to habitat loss and overcollection, it is considered a vulnerable species and is protected by law.

Melocactus Harlowii

Melocactus Harlowii is a species of cactus with its origins in the Caribbean, specifically the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It has a unique shape, with a cylindrical stem topped by a spherical, spiny cap,” known as a cephalium. The cephalium produces bright pink or purple flowers and eventually becomes a cluster of offsets. This cactus is highly prized by collectors for its unusual appearance and striking blooms.

Melocactus Intortus

Melocactus Intortus is a species of cactus native to the Caribbean, specifically Cuba and the Bahamas. It has a distinctive spherical shape with a flattened top and is covered in dense, interlocking spines. The plant is topped with a cephalium, which produces pink or red flowers and later becomes a cluster of offsets. Melocactus Intortus is an attractive and sought-after species for cactus collectors and is considered vulnerable in the wild due to habitat loss and illegal collecting.

Melocactus Levitestatus

Melocactus Levitestatus has pale green to blue-green bodies. It has brownish or pinkish-gray spines. One of the larger species, it is distinctive but quite variable, and some collectors regard it only as a variety of Melocactus Azureus.

Melocactus Matanzanus

Melocactus Matanzanus is a species of cactus that is native to Cuba. It has a round and cylindrical shape with a flattened top, and it is covered with dense spines that vary in color from golden yellow to brown. The plant is topped with a cephalium that produces bright pink flowers and later becomes a cluster of offsets. Melocactus Matanzanus is considered vulnerable in its natural habitat due to habitat loss, overcollection, and illegal trade. This species is highly valued by cactus collectors for its unique appearance and attractive flowers.

Melocactus Neryi

Melocactus Neryi is a species of cactus that is native to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It has a cylindrical shape with a rounded top and is covered in interlocking spines that range in color from white to reddish-brown. The plant is topped with a cephalium that produces pink or purple flowers and later becomes a cluster of offsets. Melocactus Neryi is highly valued by collectors for its unique appearance and attractive flowers. However, like many other species of Melocactus, it is threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection and is considered vulnerable in its natural habitat.

Melocactus Peruvianus

Melocactus Peruvianus, also known as the “Turk’s cap cactus,” is a species of cactus native to Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. It has a spherical shape with a flattened top and is covered in dense, interlocking spines that range in color from white to reddish-brown. The plant is topped with a cephalium that produces pink or purple flowers and later becomes a cluster of offsets. Melocactus Peruvianus is highly valued by collectors for its striking appearance and attractive flowers. Usually applied in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, like many other species of Melocactus, it is threatened by habitat loss and over-collection and is considered vulnerable in its natural habitat.

Melocactus Violaceus

Melocactus Violaceus, also known as the “Violet Melocactus,” is a species of cactus native to the Caribbean, specifically the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It has a spherical shape with a flattened top and is covered in dense, interlocking spines that range in color from yellow to reddish-brown. The plant is topped with a cephalium that produces bright violet or pink flowers and later becomes a cluster of offsets. Melocactus Violaceus is highly valued by collectors for its unique appearance and striking flowers. However, like many other species of Melocactus, it is threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection and is considered vulnerable in its natural habitat.

Melocactus Zehntneri

Melocactus Zehntneri is a species of cactus native to Brazil. It has a cylindrical shape with a flattened top and is covered in dense, interlocking spines that range in color from golden yellow to reddish-brown. The plant is topped with a cephalium that produces bright pink or purple flowers and later becomes a cluster of offsets. Melocactus Zehntneri is highly valued by collectors for its unique appearance and attractive flowers. However, like many other species of Melocactus, it is threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection and is considered vulnerable in its natural habitat.

Melocactus Azureus

Melocactus Azureus is one of the most popular of the Brazilian melocacti, given its striking frosty blue epidermis. This plant has a reputation for being more difficult to cultivate than most. Stem: gloosome to cylindrical (9–) 14–30(–45 cm) tall and 14–20 cm in diameter; green, grey-green, never glaucous (subsp. ferreophilus) or intensely glaucous, especially when young (subsp. azureus), with mucilage found in the chlorophyllous cortical tissues.

Melocactus Conoideus

Melocactus Conoideus is a species of cactus that is native to the Caribbean, specifically the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. It has a cylindrical shape with a pointed top and is covered in dense, interlocking spines that range in color from yellow to reddish-brown. The plant is topped with a cephalium that produces bright pink or purple flowers and later becomes a cluster of offsets. Melocactus Conoideus is highly valued by collectors for its unique appearance and attractive flowers. However, like many other species of Melocactus, it is threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection and is considered vulnerable in its natural habitat.

Melocactus Disciformis

Melocactus Disciformis is a species of cactus native to the Caribbean, specifically the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. It has a flattened, disc-shaped body that can reach up to 30 cm in diameter and is covered in dense, interlocking spines that range in color from yellow to reddish-brown. The plant is topped with a cephalium that produces bright pink or purple flowers and later becomes a cluster of offsets. Melocactus Disciformis is highly valued by collectors for its unique appearance and attractive flowers. However, like many other species of Melocactus, it is threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection and is considered vulnerable in its natural habitat.

How To Grow And Care For Melocactus

Soil: Melocactus prefers well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.5. Use a cactus potting mix or make your own mix by combining regular potting soil with sand or perlite.

Light: Melocactus prefers bright, direct sunlight. If you’re growing it indoors, place it near a south-facing window or use grow lights.

Water: Water melocactus sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Fertilizer: Melocactus does not require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give it a light dose of cactus fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).

Temperature: Melocactus prefers warm temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C) during the day and cooler temperatures around 50°F to 60°F (10°C and 15°C) at night.

Repotting: Melocactus grows slowly and doesn’t need to be repotted often. Repot it every 2–3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.

Propagation: Melocactus can be propagated from offsets or seeds. To propagate from offsets, carefully remove the offset from the parent plant and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. To propagate from seeds, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they germinate.

Pests and diseases: Melocactus is generally pest-free, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. To prevent these pests, inspect your plant regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary. Melocactus can also be prone to root rot if overwatered, so be careful not to let the soil stay too wet for too long.

Cephalium care: Melocactus is known for its distinctive cephalium, which is a woolly, bristly structure that grows on top of the stem. The cephalium is where the plant produces its flowers and fruit, so it’s important to take care of it. To promote the growth of the cephalium, avoid touching or damaging it, and make sure the plant gets plenty of sunlight.

Dormancy: Melocactus goes dormant in the winter, so it’s important to reduce watering during this time. You can also reduce the temperature around the plant to mimic its natural environment.

Pruning: Melocactus doesn’t require much pruning, but you can remove any dead or damaged growth to keep the plant healthy and attractive.

Overall, Melocactus is a relatively easy plant to care for as long as you provide it with the right growing conditions. With proper care, your melocactus should thrive and produce beautiful flowers and fruit.

How To Propagate Melocactus

Propagation From Offsets:

Wait until the offset is big enough to be removed from the parent plant. This usually takes 1-2 years.

Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut the offset off the parent plant. Make sure to cut as close to the parent plant as possible without damaging it.
Allow the cut end of the offset to dry out for a few days. This will avoid root rot when you plant it.
Prepare a pot with a well-draining soil mix, such as cactus soil. Make a hole in the soil big enough to accommodate the offset.
Place the offset into the hole in the soil and press the soil around it to secure it firmly in place.
Water the soil lightly. Make sure not to add too much water, as this can cause root rot.
Place the pot in a bright, sunny location, but protect the offset from direct sunlight until it establishes roots.
Wait for the offset to establish roots and start growing. This can take several weeks to several months, depending on the size of the offset.

Propagation From Seeds:

Collect fresh seeds from a healthy Melocactus plant.
Prepare a pot with a well-draining soil mix, such as cactus soil.
Sow the seeds in the soil, covering them with a thin layer of soil.
Water the soil slightly to settle it around the seeds.
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or wrap it to create a mini greenhouse. This will help retain moisture and create a humid environment for the seeds.
Place the pot in a warm, bright location, but protect it from direct sunlight.
Check the soil moisture frequently and water when necessary to keep it moist but not soggy.
Wait for the seeds to germinate. This can take several weeks to several months, depending on the temperature and other growing conditions.
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and care for them as you would mature Melocactus plants.
After the seedlings have been transplanted, continue to care for them in the same way as mature Melocactus plants. Provide them with bright, direct sunlight, well-draining soil, and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, as seedlings can be especially susceptible. Inspect the plants regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
As the seedlings grow, you may need to transplant them into larger pots to accommodate their growth. Repotting is best performed in the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing.

Overall, propagating Melocactus from offsets or seeds requires patience and careful attention to growing conditions. However, with the right care, you can successfully propagate melocactus and enjoy these unique and beautiful plants in your collection.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Melocactus

Melocactus is a genus of cactus native to the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America.
Melocactus plants are known for their distinctive cephalium, a woolly, bristly structure that forms on top of the plant and produces flowers and fruit.
The cephalium of a melocactus is not actually part of the plant’s body but rather a specialized structure that grows on top of the stem.
Melocactus plants are slow-growing and can take many years to reach their full size.
Melocactus plants are adapted to arid environments and are able to store water in their thick, fleshy stems to survive long periods of drought.
Some species of Melocactus are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection by collectors and enthusiasts.
Melocactus is a popular ornamental plant and is often grown as a houseplant or in cactus gardens.
The fruit of some species of Melocactus is edible and has a sweet, juicy flavor.
Melocactus plants have been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous cultures in the Caribbean and South America.
Some species of Melocactus have been used as a natural dye source for textiles and other materials.