Melocactus conoideus

Melocactus conoideus is commonly known as ‘Cone-like Turk’s head cactus’, and it belongs to the Cactaceae family. It has a grey-green color spherical body. A native of Brazil, this winter-dormant plant grows up to 6 inches (15 Cm) in height.

Growth Rate

It is not easy to grow this plant, and the growth rate is slow.

Flowering

Melocactus conoideus flowers bloom in the Anthesis, occurring in the afternoon with vibrant Magenta (pink-purple) color.

Water and Feeding/Fertilizer

These plants are very resistant to drought. After watering, always try to dry out the soil properly. Fertilize in mid-spring with mineral fertilizer.

Soil

The soil can be a mix of 75% healthier soil and 25% coarse siliceous sand or commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse sand.

Hardiness

The Cone-like Turk’s head cactus is hardy in zones 11 and has a frost tolerance of 8-12°C (46.4-53.6°F).

Light

These cacti need full sun to light shade but in the winter season, temperature below 15 degrees will be harmful to them.

Propagation

They propagate from seed, but the propagation process is relatively slow.

Melocactus conoideus are best to grow in pots. They need good ventilation, and you can grow them on the terrace or balconies.

Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz