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Melocactus azureus
Moderator: mcvansoest
Forum rules
This section is dedicated toward maintaining one active thread for each Cactaceae species/subspecies/variety/cultivar. Please feel free to add information and/or photos to existing threads or start your own by adding Genus/species as the thread subject. Note that listings are displayed alphabetically. Enjoy!
This section is dedicated toward maintaining one active thread for each Cactaceae species/subspecies/variety/cultivar. Please feel free to add information and/or photos to existing threads or start your own by adding Genus/species as the thread subject. Note that listings are displayed alphabetically. Enjoy!
- Gee.S
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- Location: Fountain Hills, AZ
- USDA Zone: 9b
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Melocactus azureus
Agave
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".
"Some talk the talk, others walk the walk, but I stalk the stalk"
- Geoff
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Re: Melocactus azureus
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).
- Gee.S
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Re: Melocactus azureus
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.
Agave
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".
"Some talk the talk, others walk the walk, but I stalk the stalk"
- Geoff
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Re: Melocactus azureus
Mellowcactus are just about the most photogenic cactus around.
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- Gee.S
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9596
- Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2013 1:42 pm
- Location: Fountain Hills, AZ
- USDA Zone: 9b
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Re: Melocactus azureus
^ I'll say. Mine flowers just about every day for at least 9 months straight.
Agave
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".
"Some talk the talk, others walk the walk, but I stalk the stalk"
- mickthecactus
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- Location: Hertfordshire UK.
Re: Melocactus azureus
That first picture is a beautiful plant and although I have generally grown Melos quite happily, I have always struggled with this one.
- Gee.S
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Re: Melocactus azureus
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.
Tho photo in the OP is two years old now, and the cephalium has grown considerably. I'll post a fresh photo soon.
Agave
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".
"Some talk the talk, others walk the walk, but I stalk the stalk"
- mcvansoest
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- Location: Tempe, Arizona, USA ie. Low Desert & Urban Heat Island
- USDA Zone: 9a/b
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Re: Melocactus azureus
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...
It is what it is!
- Gee.S
- Site Admin
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- Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2013 1:42 pm
- Location: Fountain Hills, AZ
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Re: Melocactus azureus
Shots from today. Melo looks happy as a clam, but getting a bit crowded... The cephalium is dark because it's soaking wet.
Agave
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".
"Some talk the talk, others walk the walk, but I stalk the stalk"
- mickthecactus
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- Ready to Bolt
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Melocactus azureus
6 yo. Growing in Philadelphia, PA, USA. Cephalium expected any time???
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