Melocactus
Melocactusmacracanthus

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Melocactus (mel-oh-KAK-tus)
Species: macracanthus (mak-ra-KAN-thus)

Synonym:Melocactus inclinatus

Synonym:Melocactus laui

Synonym:Melocactus barbarae

Synonym:Melocactus bozsingianus

Synonym:Cactus macracanthus

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade

Foliage

Foliage Color

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)

Spacing
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Pink

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time

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; direct sow after last frost

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