What's wrong with my Melocactus?
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For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
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What's wrong with my Melocactus?
My poor Melocactus seems to be wasting away. She's shrinking. Such a shame and I don't know what the problem is. I've kept her at above 15 degrees all year round. The only thing I can think of is that when she was in the greenhouse during our very hot summer she maybe lost her roots perhaps? The small Melocactus in the pot next to her is her 3 year old seedling. Any advice please from Melocactus specialists?
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Re: What's wrong with my Melocactus?
Sorry about the upside down views....I don't keep my plants upside down!
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Re: What's wrong with my Melocactus?
Sorry about the upside down views....I don't keep my plants upside down!
- Tina
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Re: What's wrong with my Melocactus?
Do you water all year round ?
Tina
varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
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varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
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Re: What's wrong with my Melocactus?
I have given a few teaspoons of rain water about once a month
- Tina
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Re: What's wrong with my Melocactus?
There your problem, melocactus like it warm n wet same as uebellmannia.
It's dehydrated, they put a lot of energy into growing the cephaleum. If it's lost it's roots thru lack of water it may take a few years to die.
It's probably a bit dangerous to increase water now but after April during warm weather up the watering gradually. In the summer mine paddle in it
It's dehydrated, they put a lot of energy into growing the cephaleum. If it's lost it's roots thru lack of water it may take a few years to die.
It's probably a bit dangerous to increase water now but after April during warm weather up the watering gradually. In the summer mine paddle in it
Last edited by Tina on Wed Dec 19, 2018 1:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Tina
varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
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Re: What's wrong with my Melocactus?
Thanks Tina I'm a bit gutted I might have killed her off inadvertently! Funny thing is I'm watering the seedlings regularly but just not the mother plant. If the roots have gone does that mean the plant won't flower - I'm assuming they only flower if fully healthy?
- Tina
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Re: What's wrong with my Melocactus?
No they don't need roots to flower, your plant has flowered before so you may be lucky but Melo's don't have big or exciting flowers, the fruits look nice and can be different colours.
When my Melocactus ernestii started developing its cephalium it lost condition even now it still doesn't look as plump or 'healthy'Tina
varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
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Re: What's wrong with my Melocactus?
I'm hoping that it's because she's building her cephalium then its why she's lost condition? I will up the watering slightly and see how we go. With regard to Uebelmannia, I have a small plant I keep indoors with the Melos so I will keep that watered thru the winter too - albeit lightly- my last one rotted at the base only a month after I got it so I was never sure if I killed it or it was on the way put when I bought it anyway!
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Re: What's wrong with my Melocactus?
I agree with Tina, it looks as if it has been under watered. I water my Melocacti as thoroughly in the winter as in summer, but less frequently as they take longer to dry out. Melocacti are prone to lose their roots if they get dry for too long.
You will need to water it steadily but cautiously to get it going again without it rotting. If it starts to plump up then you know it has active roots and you can increase the watering
You will need to water it steadily but cautiously to get it going again without it rotting. If it starts to plump up then you know it has active roots and you can increase the watering