Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cactaceae

Genus:

Melocactus

Species:

Melocactus intortus

USDA Symbol:

MEIN7

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

pink, magenta

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to rocky, arid coastal areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best at warm temperatures (75-85°F) with light exposure. Fresh seeds typically germinate more reliably.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI