Melocactus violaceus

[Ali Baba]

This plant was grown from seed by me a few years ago now (about 12 I think, form the seed-list of Doug and Vivi Rowland). This year it has just begun to form a cephalium, and about a week ago the first flower popped out
The plant is about the size of an orange, and the photo disguises the somewhat scarred base of the plant, I find it quite hard to grow this unmarked even in my very warm (min 17C) kitchen windowsill.

[juster]

A very nice plant and always exciting to see the first flower, I think you have done really well with it.

[SpikyMike]

Love the flower. Are Melocacti difficult? Do they need warm winters?

[Ali Baba]

In my experience Melocacti are not difficult to grow but they are tropical plants and won’t tolerate cold for any length of time. They make good houseplants for a warm sunny windowsill, but need watering all year round or they will lose their roots

[RICHAUD]

for violaceus or matanzanus with cephalium 15° MINIMUM

[Ali Baba]

Agreed, the minimum temperature in my kitchen is 16C on very cold nights, and mostly more like 19C