Melocactus azureus

#1

: cactus 018.JPG (99.14 KiB) Viewed 2498 times

#2

Probably the most cold hardy of the Melocacti, though not sure I can tell this plant apart from Melocactus glauca (maybe they are one in the same?)... this plant has been in my yard for years and survived the 2007 freeze (down to 24F) without any visible damage... much more hardy than its initial USDA rating of zone 11. But probably would not survive my new climate of 8b (bordering on 9a). Oh well. Not sure there are too many blue cacti, other than some Opuntia, that will).

#3

My plant has thrived in full sun here (as any blue succulent should) despite warnings to the contrary, and has twice survived high teens undamaged (covered under a small cardboard box). This is a tough-as-nails plant that seems completely at odds with a widespread reputation for being rather delicate. My plant flowers modestly (3-4 blooms) almost daily for 10 months of the year, taking a break through early winter.

#4

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RCS · #5

Mellowcactus are just about the most photogenic cactus around.

#6

^ I'll say. Mine flowers just about every day for at least 9 months straight.

#7

That first picture is a beautiful plant and although I have generally grown Melos quite happily, I have always struggled with this one.

#8

It sorta figures that a plant, which thrives out of doors in AZ might struggle in the relatively damp, dark UK, doesn't it? We're in a strong El Niño weather pattern this winter, which means a dark, damp next few weeks at least, and I'm concerned about the welfare of my Melo and a few other cacti I have in the ground.

Tho photo in the OP is two years old now, and the cephalium has grown considerably. I'll post a fresh photo soon.

#9

I have a couple that have not started on a cephalium yet. In pots so protected from the rain, but I have already got the first victim of this wet period - a 5 foot Ferocactus cylindraceus has a large spots of rot about 6 inches up from the ground. I removed it and treated with some sulphur powder hoping to nip it in the butt, but it is leaning enough that the recent rain will probably undo all the good I might have done by catching the rot fairly early... definitely keeping a watchful eye on a bunch of plants...

#10

Shots from today. Melo looks happy as a clam, but getting a bit crowded... The cephalium is dark because it's soaking wet.

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#11

Beautiful picture!

RCS · #12

I'll second that. Wish I could get away with growing those outside.

Brooksphilly · #13

6 yo. Growing in Philadelphia, PA, USA. Cephalium expected any time???

Agaveville