{"product_id":"melocactus-maxonii-inermis-spineless-turk-s-cap-cactus","title":"Melocactus maxonii ‘Inermis’ – Spineless Turk’s Cap Cactus","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKnown for its clean, smooth body and distinctive woolly crown, \u003ci\u003eMelocactus maxonii ‘Inermis’\u003c\/i\u003e is a striking cactus that stands out in any collection. Unlike other cacti, this species stops growing taller once it reaches maturity and begins forming a cephalium – a woolly, reddish tuft that produces delicate pink flowers. The ‘Inermis’ form has reduced or absent spines, giving it a neat, sculptural look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eMelocactus maxonii\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Inermis’ (named after botanist William Ralph Maxon; ‘inermis’ = unarmed or spineless)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSynonyms\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNone widely used, but occasionally referred to informally as spineless forms of \u003ci\u003eMelocactus curvispinus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSpineless Turk’s Cap Cactus, Melon Cactus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eBright indirect to direct light is best. A few hours of morning or late afternoon sun will keep it compact and healthy. Avoid intense midday sun, especially when newly moved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eWater only when the soil is completely dry. In summer, this may be every 2–3 weeks. Reduce to once a month or less in winter. Avoid getting water on the cephalium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers low humidity and good airflow. Avoid placing it in enclosed or damp spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a sharply-draining cactus mix. Add extra grit, pumice, or perlite for fast drainage. Avoid organic-rich soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed monthly in spring and summer with a diluted cactus fertiliser. Do not feed in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThrives between 18–30°C. Keep above 12°C at all times. Cephalium is sensitive to cold and excess moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNo – mildly toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eOnce the cephalium forms, avoid repotting – \u003ci\u003eMelocactus\u003c\/i\u003e dislike root disturbance once mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe cephalium grows slowly but can last for many years, producing tiny flowers and sometimes fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUnlike most cacti, \u003ci\u003eMelocactus\u003c\/i\u003e stop producing new body growth once the cephalium appears – all energy goes into flower production instead!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"10.5cm","offer_id":56990671405437,"sku":"5770722268571","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"17cm","offer_id":56990671438205,"sku":"7770722268571","price":44.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/melocactus-maxonii-inermis-spineless-turks-cap-cactus-3760522.jpg?v=1759232421","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/melocactus-maxonii-inermis-spineless-turk-s-cap-cactus","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}