Melocactus matanzanus is known by its common name “Dwarf Turk's-Cap.” It is one of the most popular and smallest cactus species with an eye-catching globose shape. These plants from the Cactaceae family have their origin in Northern Cuba and are easy to find worldwide. Growing up to 7–9 centimeters in height, Dwarf Turk's-Cap goes dormant in the winter months.
Growth Rate
Melocactus matanzanus is a fast-growing cactus. It is a low-maintenance plant, making it a good option for beginners.
Flowering
When this plant gets fully mature, the wool and bristle covered sphere on the top of the cactus, which is known as cephalium, starts to form and later stops budding. The bud appears in the mid-summer and turns rose pink to carmine shade.
Water and Feeding/Fertilizer
Dwarf Turk's-Cap needs plenty of water and likes a moist environment. Water them frequently.
Soil
Melocactus matanzanus needs well-draining soil. This plant grows healthily when it is restricted at the roots. Thus, it is important to root the cactus in a small container.
Hardiness
This variety of cacti belongs to the hardiness zone of 10a-11b, with a frost tolerance of 0° C (32° F).
Light
This amazing houseplant needs direct sunlight. If planting outdoors, make sure the sunlight is sufficient otherwise the plant will not be able to bloom properly.
Propagation
It is very easy to propagate Dwarf Turk's-Cap cactus by seeds. Soak the seed before propagating and use oxygenate soil.
Melocactus Matanzanus “Dwarf Turk's-Cap” is quite tricky to maintain. Having said that, these cacti make the garden adorable and pleasing.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Mid summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Melocactus matanzanus |
| Common Name | Dwarf turk's cap, Trunk's cap cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Rose pink, carmine, pale green |
| Genus | Melocactus |
| Growth Habit | Globose stem |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 9–10 cm tall, 89 cm wide |
| Native Area | Northern cuba |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By seeds |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, Deer resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulent potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Woolen cap at top |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun/Direct sunlight, Part shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, pets friendly |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Melocactus matanzanus is known by its common name “Dwarf Turk's-Cap.” It is one of the most popular and smallest cactus species with an eye-catching globose shape. These plants from the Cactaceae family have their origin in Northern Cuba and are easy to find worldwide. Growing up to 7–9 centimeters in height, Dwarf Turk's-Cap goes dormant in the winter months.
Growth Rate
Melocactus matanzanus is a fast-growing cactus. It is a low-maintenance plant, making it a good option for beginners.
Flowering
When this plant gets fully mature, the wool and bristle covered sphere on the top of the cactus, which is known as cephalium, starts to form and later stops budding. The bud appears in the mid-summer and turns rose pink to carmine shade.
Water and Feeding/Fertilizer
Dwarf Turk's-Cap needs plenty of water and likes a moist environment. Water them frequently.
Soil
Melocactus matanzanus needs well-draining soil. This plant grows healthily when it is restricted at the roots. Thus, it is important to root the cactus in a small container.
Hardiness
This variety of cacti belongs to the hardiness zone of 10a-11b, with a frost tolerance of 0° C (32° F).
Light
This amazing houseplant needs direct sunlight. If planting outdoors, make sure the sunlight is sufficient otherwise the plant will not be able to bloom properly.
Propagation
It is very easy to propagate Dwarf Turk's-Cap cactus by seeds. Soak the seed before propagating and use oxygenate soil.
Melocactus Matanzanus “Dwarf Turk's-Cap” is quite tricky to maintain. Having said that, these cacti make the garden adorable and pleasing.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Mid summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Melocactus matanzanus |
| Common Name | Dwarf turk's cap, Trunk's cap cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Rose pink, carmine, pale green |
| Genus | Melocactus |
| Growth Habit | Globose stem |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 9–10 cm tall, 89 cm wide |
| Native Area | Northern cuba |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By seeds |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, Deer resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulent potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Woolen cap at top |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun/Direct sunlight, Part shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, pets friendly |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
