Melocactus Species, Turk's Cap

Melocactusintortus

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Melocactus (mel-oh-KAK-tus)
Species
intortus (in-TOR-tus)
Synonym
Melocactus intortus subsp. intortus
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Pink
Bloom Time
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; germinate in vitro in gelatin, agar or other medium
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

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Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
1
neutral
0
negative
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E
Annapolis, MD | July 2015 | neutral

I am germinating melocactus intortus in gel, and a number of them (about 60-70%) have popped, with seedlings about the size of a head of ...Read More

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | April 2004 | positive

This is one of the larger species of Melocactus getting up to 18" tall. After the cactus matures to the point of forming a cephalium (th...Read More

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