Melocactus matanzanus 'Turk’s Cap Cactus'

Compact and classic at the base, Melocactus matanzanus hides its true eccentricity until maturity — when it grows a bright red cephalium, a woolly crown from which tiny pink blooms emerge. It’s a cactus with a ceremonial headdress, and it wears it proudly.

Native to Cuba and slow-growing by nature, this one needs a little more care than most cacti. Once the cephalium forms, it stops growing taller and shifts all its energy to flowering — like a sage entering its final evolution. It prefers warmth, sun, and well-draining soil.

🪴 Bigfoot’s Tip: Once the cephalium forms, do not repot! These elders don’t like being disturbed once they’ve reached their full cactus wisdom.

Plant Family: Cactaceae

Light: Full sun

Water: Let soil dry completely between waterings

Care Level: Moderate (especially once mature)

Pet Safe?: Yes