Help with Rooting a Mature Melocactus

[greenknight]

JP and Steve would disagree with you .
https://www.cactiguide.com/forum/viewto ... 25&t=33959

JP recommended repotting them if they need it even after the cephalium forms, I wouldn't disagree with that. If there's any indication of trouble, that would also be a good reason to unpot it. Just to take a look, though, when it's just taken hold and started growing, is not something I'd recommend.

[mikethecactusguy]

I would agree. Unpotting a plant just to see if the roots are growing is not always the wisest thing to do.

[mikethecactusguy]

definitely growing. It was not responding to the 85% perlite 15% soil mix but loves the 100% cactus mix.

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[mikethecactusguy]

Good Morning.
I should practice what I preach. I have not followed up with this thread. So I have not touched it since repotting it in cactus soil. Yesterday I repotted all my Melo's in bowls with fresh dirt. When I went to repot the recovering one I was surprised with a small root ball. So yo play it safe I just repotted it without disturbing the ball. Here is what it now looks like. the cephalium is growing.

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[Aloinopsis]

Melocactus have shallow roots to begin with. Sometimes what looks like an insufficient root mass in an adult plant really isn't, especially if you're used to species with taproots or dense fibrous roots. Because Melocactus are tropical, they don't really need either of those things. The constant warmth and ample water allow them to do well with fewer or less-dense roots than most other cactus.

I have several species and I find them particularly easy as long as they get enough heat and enough water. I wouldn't repot them until the pots break. In my experience cold will kill them before drought. Drought will simply cause root loss.

[mikethecactusguy]

All my smaller Melo's had root balls that filled most of the 3" pots they were in. I know some advocate not placing these in larger pots but I leave it up to the plant to decide if it needs a new pot. If the roots are growing and need more space, I like to give it to them. As for shallow roots, all of mine had grown to the drain holes in the pots.
Mike M

[Steve-0]

Success! Way to go! Interesting the dramatic soil change made the diff.