Melocactus matanzanus with cephalium – Turk’s Cap Cactus - 4 Heads - Last one!

Melocactus matanzanus with cephalium – Turk’s Cap - 4 Heads

You will receive this exact, LARGE, mature specimen.  
Measures  5.5" tall x 5" wide.
Features 4 heads including the main.
After flowering, fruits shaped like peppers appear and attract birds.
Showcased here in one-of-a-kind handmade pottery (sold separately).
Will be shipped bare root.

• Size: Grows to a height of 7-9 centimeters (2.8-3.5 inches).
• Shape: Globose or slightly cylindrical stem with distinct ribs.
• Cephalium: A dense, woolly structure on top of mature plants, covered with reddish-brown bristles, where flowers emerge.
• Flowers: Small, diurnal flowers, typically rose pink to carmine or pale green, that bloom from the cephalium, usually in mid-summer.
• Growth: Fast-growing cactus.
• Propagation: Primarily by seeds, as it rarely produces offsets.
• Hardiness: Belongs to USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-11b, with frost tolerance ranging from 32°F (0°C) to 45°F (8°C) depending on the source.

Care Requirements:

• Light: Requires direct sunlight, at least 4 to 6 hours daily for healthy growth.
• Watering: Needs plenty of water and prefers a moist environment, especially in the summer. Water sparingly in winter but avoid letting the soil completely dry out, as Melocactus is less tolerant of drought than other cacti. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining sandy soil.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C), and is not frost-tolerant.
• Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted, balanced cactus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer).

Pruning: Requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove dead or damaged parts.

 Habitat:

• Native to Northern Cuba, specifically in the Matanzas and Las Villas Provinces.
• Found in coastal scrublands on serpentine outcrops with low xerophytic vegetation.
• Grows in warm, sunny, and relatively dry environments with intense sun and infrequent rainfall.

• Melocactus matanzanus is considered Critically Endangered due to habitat degradation by forestry activities.
• Most Melocactus species are self-fertile and produce many seeds.
• The cephalium appears when the plant reaches maturity and signifies its reproductive phase.