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The Turk's Cap Cactus

$15.00

The Cactus with a Festive Hat

The Melocactus genus, widely known as the Turk's Cap Cactus, is one of the most distinctive and recognizable groups in the succulent world. Native to the Caribbean, Central, and South America, these cacti are prized for their unique two-stage growth process and their striking final form.

  • Unique Two-Stage Growth: Young plants begin as simple, ribbed, globular spheres. However, upon reaching maturity (usually 6 inches or more in diameter), the plant stops growing upward from the main body and instead develops a dense, cylindrical structure on top called a cephalium.

  • The "Turk's Cap" Cephalium: This signature structure is covered in a thick, dense layer of woolly white hairs and reddish-brown bristles, resembling a velvety, festive cap or fez. This is where all future growth and flowering occurs.

  • Secret Flower Garden: The cephalium acts as a protective crown. It produces tiny, but bright, pink to magenta tubular flowers that nestle among the wool, typically opening in the afternoon or evening. These are followed by small, attractive, bright red, edible, berry-like fruits that pop out of the woolly cap.

  • Architectural Form: The combination of the dark green, ribbed body and the contrasting, colorful cephalium makes the Melocactus a spectacular, architectural centerpiece for any sunny collection.

All potted plants are local pickup only. Shipped plants will be bare root (no pot or soil).

The Cactus with a Festive Hat

The Melocactus genus, widely known as the Turk's Cap Cactus, is one of the most distinctive and recognizable groups in the succulent world. Native to the Caribbean, Central, and South America, these cacti are prized for their unique two-stage growth process and their striking final form.

  • Unique Two-Stage Growth: Young plants begin as simple, ribbed, globular spheres. However, upon reaching maturity (usually 6 inches or more in diameter), the plant stops growing upward from the main body and instead develops a dense, cylindrical structure on top called a cephalium.

  • The "Turk's Cap" Cephalium: This signature structure is covered in a thick, dense layer of woolly white hairs and reddish-brown bristles, resembling a velvety, festive cap or fez. This is where all future growth and flowering occurs.

  • Secret Flower Garden: The cephalium acts as a protective crown. It produces tiny, but bright, pink to magenta tubular flowers that nestle among the wool, typically opening in the afternoon or evening. These are followed by small, attractive, bright red, edible, berry-like fruits that pop out of the woolly cap.

  • Architectural Form: The combination of the dark green, ribbed body and the contrasting, colorful cephalium makes the Melocactus a spectacular, architectural centerpiece for any sunny collection.

All potted plants are local pickup only. Shipped plants will be bare root (no pot or soil).

Scientific name goes here

Care Tailored for a Tropical Cactus

Melocacti require warm temperatures and more careful watering than many desert cacti.

  • Light Needs: Requires Full Sun to Bright, Intense Light. Ample sunlight is crucial for the development and maintenance of the cephalium.

  • Water Needs: Moderate. Water regularly during the active growing season (late spring to early fall), allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Unlike many cacti, do not let the soil stay completely dry for long periods, but still ensure excellent drainage.

  • Soil Needs: Requires a very porous, fast-draining cactus mix.

  • Temperature: Requires Warmth. This cactus is extremely sensitive to cold and should be kept warm year-round. It is not frost-tolerant.

Bring home the regal, year-round curiosity of the Turk's Cap Cactus and enjoy watching it develop its majestic crown!


At-Home Care

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