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Melocactus violaceus

Also Known As

  • Turk's Cap

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 6"
  • W: 4"-12"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Melocactus violaceus plant details

Melocactus violaceus is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In fall, spring, summer and winter pink and red flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with bright shade and regular water. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Melocactus violaceus

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 IN - 12 IN - wide, 0 - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: pink and red blooms in fall, spring, summer and winter
Uses: container plant, houseplant, rock garden, tropical-looking, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Melocactus violaceus

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: bright shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Regular water in summer, less in winter. Light Shade. Pink to Red Flowers are borne in abundance most of the year. Indoor.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Gardening facts about Melocactus violaceus plant

How to Grow Melocactus violaceus

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
    • fall
    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous

See other plant types of Melocactus for your garden

aka Melocactus acipinosus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10b-11

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • low
  • dry in winter
Photo of Melocactus bahiensis f. acispinosus form, spiky by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Turk's Cap Cactus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • low
  • dry in winter
Photo of Melocactus aracutuensis form, spiky by Stan Shebs
View Plant

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 12"

  • sun
  • regular
  • dry in winter
Photo of Melocactus concinnus flower by Far Out Flora
View Plant

aka Melocactus matazanus, Dwarf Turk's-cap Cactus, Turk's-cap Cactus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10b-12

Size

Height: 3"-4"

Width: 3"-4"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Melocactus matanzanus foliage by Danger Garden
View Plant

More Options

aka Cactus placentifo, Discocactus alteolens, Discocactus crystallophilus, Discocactus insignis, Discocactus latispinus, Discocactus multicolorispinus, Discocactus pseudolatispinus, Discocactus pugionacanthus, Discocactus pulvinicapitatus, Discocactus tricornis, Melocactus besleri

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-12

Size

Height: 3"

Width: 6"

  • bright shade
  • regular
Photo of Discocactus placentiformis foliage by Kara Nursery
View Plant

More Options

+6 more Melocactus
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