Melocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. South and Central America.

Description. The genus "Melocactus" consists of approximately 40 species of cacti. The stems are green - dark or light, sometimes with a bluish waxy coating, spherical, sometimes with age they take on a cylindrical shape, with a diameter of 15 - 60 cm, depending on the species. The ribs are well defined, deep, vertical or slightly spiraling. The spines are light, straight, strong. Mature plants form a spectacular cephalium in the upper part of the stem, in which flower buds appear. After the formation of the cephalium, the cactus stops its development and only the cephalium grows. The flowers are arranged in a circle, resembling a crown, red or pink, small - up to 1 cm in diameter, often hidden by dense pubescence of the cephalium. After flowering, red or pinkish-lilac oblong-pear-shaped fruits up to 2 cm long are formed.

Height. Depending on age and external conditions, it reaches 10 - 100 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Melocactus does not have a pronounced dormant period and can be kept at normal room temperature all year round. Do not expose the cactus to temperatures below 15°C. 

Lighting

In summer, shading from direct sunlight during the day is possible. In the morning and evening, direct sunlight may fall on the shoots. In autumn and winter, maximum possible lighting.

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 6.5. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. To grow melocactus, you can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents. 

Feeding

From spring to autumn, when the flower is growing, feed it monthly with liquid fertilizers specially designed for cacti and succulents. In autumn, stop feeding and resume only with the beginning of new growth.

Flowering time

Spring – summer, buds are formed only in adult specimens, whose age has exceeded 7 years.

Air humidity

If the air in the room becomes too dry, you can spray the melocactus in the morning, making sure there is good air circulation. In autumn and winter the air should be dry. 

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, water regularly, but allow the soil to dry to half its depth between waterings. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced, and in winter they simply protect the soil from completely drying out. For watering, use soft water at room temperature. 

Transplant

Representatives of the species have a shallow root system, so they can be grown in shallow pots. Replant only as needed, in the spring, with the beginning of new growth, when the pot becomes cramped. After planting, stop watering for 7 - 10 days. Melocactus does not tolerate transplantation well, so try not to disturb the root system - use transshipment.

Reproduction

Seeds that are sown in the spring. After sowing, watering is replaced by spraying, and the pots with seedlings are placed in a warm place with a temperature of about 25 °C without exposure to direct sunlight.

Pests and diseases

Melocacti often rot at the slightest waterlogging.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.